April Army Suicide Data

The Army released suicide data today for the month of April. During April, among active-duty soldiers, there were 14 potential suicides: two have been confirmed as suicides and 12 remain under investigation. For March, the Army reported 18 potential suicides among active-duty soldiers. Since the release of that report, 12 have been confirmed as suicides and six remain under investigation. For 2012, there have been 61 potential active-duty suicides: 35 have been confirmed as suicides and 26 remain under investigation. Active-duty suicide numbers for 2011: 164 (164 have been confirmed as suicides and none remain under investigation).

During April, among reserve component soldiers who were not on active duty, there were 13 potential suicides (five Army National Guard and eight Army Reserve): two have been confirmed as suicide and 11 remain under investigation. For March, among that same group, the Army reported 10 potential suicides (seven Army National Guard and three Army Reserve). Since the release of that report, six have been confirmed as suicides and four remain under investigation. For 2012, there have been 34 potential not on active duty suicides (22 Army National Guard and 12 Army Reserve): 18 have been confirmed as suicides and 16 remain under investigation. Updated not on active duty suicide numbers for 2011: 118 (82 Army National Guard and 36 Army Reserve); 118 have been confirmed as suicides and none remain under investigation.

"The Army's ability and commitment to care for our nation's greatest treasure -- America's sons and daughters -- is the bedrock of our nation's trust in our Army. A key component of our commitment to maintaining this trust is our ongoing effort to reduce the stigma of seeking help when needed. By achieving a cultural change that encourages help-seeking behaviors, we will be postured to more effectively combat suicide within our ranks," said Brig. Gen. Barrye L. Price, director, human resources policy, Army G-1.

Soldiers and families in need of crisis assistance can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Trained consultants are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year and can be contacted by dialing 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or by visiting their website at http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org .