Veteran Suicide Mortality Review
Learning from veteran suicid deaths to strengthen prevention across Arizona
About the VSMR
In the United States, veterans face significantly higher rates of suicide compared to the general population. This trend is particularly pronounced in Arizona, prompting a pioneering response: the creation of the Arizona Veteran Suicide Mortality Review (VSMR) Team.Â
The VSMR is a statewide initiative focused on better understanding veteran suicide deaths and using those insights to strengthen prevention efforts across Arizona. The VSMR brings together a multidisciplinary team of subject matter experts, individuals with relevant lived experience, and professionals from across the state to carefully review veteran suicide fatalities, identify patterns and contributing factors, and develop recommendations that may help prevent similar deaths. The information gathered through the review process helps inform prevention activities at the people, helpers, organizations, communities, and systems levels.
Download the Annual Report
The Arizona Veteran Suicide Mortality Review Annual Report provides an overview of the first year of implementation for the nation’s first statewide, veteran-specific Suicide Mortality Review.
From Findings to Action
The Arizona Veteran Suicide Mortality Review is designed to move from learning to action. Initial findings are helping shape practical prevention and postvention efforts across the state. Current and emerging efforts include:
Safe Storage
Training and outreach on lethal means safety, and distributing gun hygiene kits to promote safe storage of firearms.
Dispensary Outreach
Providing dispensaries with resource information to share with patrons.
Postvention Guide
Offering a no-cost guide and support to those bereaved by a service member or veteran suicide.
Light Rail Placards
Partnering with Valley Metro to post placards with connection information on light rail call boxes in metro Phoenix.
VSMR Team Members
Learn More About Arizona's VSMR
Connect to Resources
Service members, veterans and their families are encouraged to connect with resources and support.
Call the Support Line
Talk with someone who can help you connect to resources.
Submit a Referral
Connect yourself or someone you care about to support.
Sign-Up for Texts
Veterans can sign up for weekly texts.
