San Antonio – known as “Military City, USA,” is turning its deep‑rooted military ties into a life‑saving campaign. In honor of Suicide Prevention Month, local leaders, businesses, and nonprofits have amplified the Face the Fight initiative, a collaborative effort aimed at dramatically reducing veteran suicide by 2032.
Why the push matters
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reported that 6,398 veterans died by suicide in 2023. Although the total number of deaths fell slightly from the prior year, the suicide rate among veterans actually rose, and it remains the second‑leading cause of death for veterans under age 45. These stark figures underscore the urgency of early identification, rapid connection to care, and community‑wide support.
Evidence‑based hope
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that veterans who began evidence‑based therapy for PTSD were 23% less likely to die by suicide. That data reinforces what local advocates have long known: timely, science‑backed treatment saves lives.
Community‑wide response
USAA’s Honor Through Action program is providing the financial backbone for Face the Fight, while Reach Resilience and the Humana Foundation bring nonprofit expertise. Together with UT Health San Antonio’s scientific guidance, the coalition now includes more than 300 organizations across the public and private sectors.
Face the Fight has already invested over $41 million, reaching more than 1.4 million service members, veterans, families, caregivers, and survivors. More than 1 million suicide‑risk screenings have been conducted, and over 88,000 clinicians, peers, and community members have received training in evidence‑informed prevention techniques.
Local leaders speak out
“Here in San Antonio, supporting the military community is part of who we are,” said Chris Ford, who leads Face the Fight for USAA. “Veterans are our colleagues, friends, and neighbors, and we have an opportunity to create a community where reaching out for help is recognized as a sign of strength.”
David Rozek, senior scientific advisor for Face the Fight and associate professor at UT Health San Antonio, added, “We have proven programs grounded in strong science that can reduce suicide risk. The challenge is getting those programs to more veterans and their families earlier through the organizations and communities they already trust.”
How San Antonians can help
Residents are encouraged to check in with veterans in their lives—whether by a text, a phone call, or a coffee conversation. Learning to recognize warning signs and familiarizing oneself with local resources can make a critical difference.
Face the Fight also offers training workshops for individuals and organizations, providing practical tools to support veterans. This December, the initiative will serve as an official benefiting partner of the San Antonio Marathon (Dec. 4‑6). Runners can turn their miles into donations by creating fundraising pages, forming teams, or contributing directly to veteran‑suicide‑prevention efforts.
Looking ahead
Modeling predicts that the coalition’s work could save more than 10,900 lives by 2032. By weaving together faith, family, and freedom‑focused values, San Antonio aims to ensure that no veteran has to fight alone.
For more information on how to get involved, visit the Face the Fight website or contact local veteran service organizations.
Original reporting: San Antonio Report — read the source article.
