OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - VA data shows PTSD and suicide rates are climbing — and the demand for mental health care is outpacing what many systems can handle.

“Most veterans do have some kind of problem and deep seeded knowledge of something terrible that’s happened,” said Ernest Gepford, a veteran who utilizes At Ease USA services.

The VA estimates that more than one in six veterans nationwide live with PTSD.

In Nebraska, state data shows the suicide rate for veterans is nearly twice that of civilians.

That’s where At Ease USA comes in.

The Omaha nonprofit says it has gone from serving just under 60 clients in 2022 — to about 300 this year.

That’s a 427% increase in three years.

“49% of our veterans earn less than $29,000 a year. So, when they go to look for therapy or mental health h

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