Amid spike in suicides in Alaska, the Army invested in mental health. But the problem is getting worse.

WASHINGTON – As many as 15 soldiers stationed in Alaska have died by suicide this year, more than double the number of such deaths in all of 2020 in a crisis that has defied solution.

The suicide deaths have sparked alarm at the Pentagon's highest level. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is aware of the "worrisome trend in Alaska," according to a Defense official who was not authorized to speak publicly. Austin, who visited troops in Alaska this summer and addressed suicide and mental health, is in contact with Army leaders about improving conditions there and across the armed services to try to prevent "tragic deaths," the official said. 

Austin's visit came after USA TODAY reported that at least six soldiers in Alaska had died by suicide in the first five months of 2021. Despite the attention, suicides among the 11,500 soldiers in Alaska have continued. The Army has confirmed 10 suicide deaths among soldiers in 2021 with another five deaths under investigation for suicide or accident. Two more soldiers in Alaska have died in accidents, according to John Pennell, an Army spokesman.