There is no final official count yet for suicides in 2025 in the United States. National suicide statistics are released with a delay because death certificates from all states must be verified and processed.
The most reliable nationwide figures show approximately 48,800 suicide deaths in 2024 (provisional CDC data), with Veterans accounting for about 13.5% of all U.S. suicide deaths despite representing only 7.9% of the adult population. Although all suicides are tragic, this disproportionate impact on Veterans underscores the driving purpose behind and need for the NWVU Sertoma Suicide Awareness and Prevention Training event.
National Women Veterans United, will host Sertoma Suicide Awareness and Prevention Training on Tuesday May 26, 2026, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, location at 8620 S. Pulaski Rd. (lower Level) Chicago. A completion certificate, brunch and lunch will be provided.
Please RSVP at NWVU.org@gmail.com
Sertoma’s Suicide Awareness and Prevention Training refers to QPR Suicide Prevention Training—a nationally recognized program that teaches people how to recognize suicide warning signs,
What the training is
QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) is an evidence‑based suicide‑prevention method designed to help everyday people learn how to:
- Identify warning signs of suicidal thinking
- Ask directly if someone is considering suicide
- Persuade them to seek help
- Refer them to appropriate professional or emergency support
Why it matters
This training is designed for everyday veterans and community members — including parents, caregivers, teachers, coworkers, volunteers, faith‑community members, and anyone in a position to notice when someone may be struggling. While it is not therapy or crisis counseling, it equips non‑professionals with practical, potentially life‑saving skills to recognize warning signs, offer support, and connect someone to appropriate help.