What does it mean to Live? Adam Costello, Veteran's Program Director has adopted the mantra "Team Live," in celebration of Easterseals Military and Veteran Services. Adam says "so many Veteran groups and services focus on isolated resource problems, but we focus on the root issues of not having living a full life such as social isolation and depression." Adam believes sustainable success for Veterans only comes through community groups, social networking, and emotional empowerment in combination with traditional direct services like job training and financial assistance.
The VA Health Administration, alone, spent $9.4 Billion for mental health services and $222 Million for suicide prevention outreach in 2019. However, the outcome of this investment conflicts with the dollars spent.
Veterans ages 18-35 have the highest and fastest growing suicide rate among the veteran community.
The suicide rate among veterans ages 18-35 increased by 76% from 2005-2017. *National Veteran Suicide Annual Report. US Department of Veteran Affairs.
1 - It only takes one person to help keep a veteran from feeling isolated. Isolation has been shown to be a significant risk factor for suicide. Among Veterans Healthcare administration patients, suicide rates are highest among those who are currently unmarried or divorced.
Easterseals provides comprehensive services to ensure Veterans have access to resources before crisis hits.
Stories of Hope |