Commissioner Diaz places spotlight on veteran suicides

MIAMI – The Miami-Dade County Commission on Jan. 22 approved a resolution sponsored by Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz to urge the Florida Legislature to recognize the epidemic of suicide among veterans and urge Congress to fully fund suicide prevention efforts by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, including suicide prevention research and evidence-based clinical treatment approaches.

According to a 2019 Veterans Administration report, more than 6,000 veterans committed suicide in 2017, which translates to approximately 17 veteran suicides suicide a day. The high suicide rate among veterans is attributed to a high incidence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and depression among combat veterans.

“Our veterans fought for us when we needed them. Now we need to fight for them to make sure they get the care and attention they need,” said Commissioner Diaz, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who has been a strong advocate for veterans.