JEFFERSON CITY, Mo (WGEM) - Missouri has one of the highest veteran suicide rates in the country, according to the U.S. Veterans Department, but a state group is now working to change that.

Every year, Missouri loses nearly 200 veterans to suicide, according to data from the U.S. Veterans Department. A new state investment is working to combat the mental challenges veterans face. The state released its first yearly Veterans Suicide Prevention plan and Mental Health report. It’s part of a law implemented last year that requires the Veterans Commission to shift its focus to mental health.

Last year, previous Gov. Mike Parson signed a new law that hopes to decrease veterans suicides. It adds improving veterans mental health as the fourth core mission of the Missouri Veterans Commission, o

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