Statement of John D. Daigh, Jr., M.D., CPA, Assistant Inspector General for Healthcare Inspections, Office of Inspector General, Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Before the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, United States Senate, Hearing on “#Bethere: What More Can Be Done to Prevent Veteran Suicide?”

Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Tester, and Members of the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to discuss the Office of Inspector General’s (OIG) recent work on VA’s efforts to prevent veteran suicide. Suicide is a serious public health concern. Beyond the loss of life to the victim, suicide takes a profound toll on survivors, caregivers, and the community. Likewise, incomplete suicides, taking the form of suicide attempts, gestures, and other acute self-destructive behaviors, are associated with injury, an emotional toll, and personal and societal financial burdens. Therefore, prevention initiatives and interventions that might reduce suicidal behaviors are of enormous importance.