The 2017 DOD Suicide Event Report

The DoD has released the 2017 Suicide Event Report, which offers some insights into the factors, means, and events surrounding service member suicides. Here are some important takeaways: "The characteristics most commonly associated with suicide among Service members closely resembled the makeup of the Military Services overall. The most common demographics included:

• Non-Hispanic ethnicity

• White racial identity

• Male biological sex

• Age between 20 and 24 years

• Rank/grade of E1-E4

• No more than a high school education

Data Summary:

Personal firearms continued to be the most common mechanism of injury in suicide DoDSER forms, accounting for 65.4 percent of all CY 2017 suicides.

• Drug and alcohol overdose was the most common method of attempted suicide, accounting for 55.5 percent of recorded CY 2017 suicide attempts.

• Approximately half (50.8%) of those who died by suicide in CY 2017 did not have a documented behavioral health diagnosis.

• Approximately half (51.5%) of individuals who died by suicide in CY 2017 made contact with the Military Health System (MHS) in the 90 days prior to death.

If you are in crisis, please call1-800-273-8255.

If you are a Service member or Veteran, Press 1 to speak with a qualified Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) responder.

OR CALL ME 573-326-9448

https://www.pdhealth.mil/sites/default/files/images/docs/TAB_B_DoDSER_CY_2017_Annual_Report_508_071619.pdf