Veteran Suicide Rate in New York State Jumps by 25%

Contact: Jane Smith, [email protected]

March 9, 2026, New York, NY - New data from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs show a sharp increase in suicide rates among New York State veterans, reaching the highest level in more than 20 years. According to the New York Health Foundation (NYHealth), the veteran suicide rate in New York rose to 24.9 per 100,000 in 2023-a 25.8% increase from 2022. By comparison, the suicide rate for New York's general population declined slightly to 10.7 per 100,000, a 1.8% decrease.

The findings are a troubling reversal after several years during which veteran suicide rates in New York remained stable or declined.

"Combat operations in Iran and Venezuela place our troops in danger. But the challenges facing service members do not end when their deployments do; the crisis of veteran suicide is ongoing," said David Sandman, Ph.D., President and CEO of the New York Health Foundation. "Veteran suicide is not inevitable; it is preventable."

New York is home to approximately 560,000 veterans. In 2023, veteran suicide rates in the State were more than twice as high as those of the general population, a pattern that mirrors national trends. However, the increase in New York far outpaced the national change. While veteran suicide rates rose by 1.4% nationally between 2022 and 2023 (the most recent data available), New York saw a 25.8% increase.

In total, 167 New York veterans died by suicide in 2023-27 more than in 2022. While the numbers fluctuate from year to year, the increase underscores the urgency of addressing suicide as a persistent public health crisis affecting veterans and their families.

The data also reveal important age-related differences. New York veterans ages 18-34 experienced the highest suicide rates in 2023, with rates nearly doubling over the past five years. Rates among veterans ages 35-54 declined slightly, while other age groups saw increases compared to 2018.

Firearms remain the leading method of suicide among veterans in New York. In 2023, 56.3% of veteran suicides in the State involved a firearm,

"New York has historically had one of the lowest veteran suicide rates in the nation, but this sharp increase is a stark reminder that we cannot let our guard down," said Derek Coy, Senior Program Officer for Veterans' Health at NYHealth and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. "We must redouble our efforts to expand access to mental health care, strengthen crisis response systems, and promote safe firearm practices to prevent further loss." NYHealth's data snapshot highlights the ongoing need for coordinated state and community-level action, including expanding mental health services tailored to veterans, strengthening outreach to younger veterans, and promoting safe firearm storage practices.

To read the full data snapshot.

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About the New York Health Foundation
The New York Health Foundation (NYHealth) is a private, statewide foundation dedicated to improving the health of all New Yorkers, especially people of color and others who have been historically marginalized. The Foundation is committed to making grants, informing health policy and practice, spreading effective programs to improve the health care system and the health of New Yorkers, serving as a convener of health leaders across the State, and providing technical assistance to its grantees and partners.