President Trump marked World Suicide Prevention Day on Sunday, encouraging Americans to have an open discussion about the issue.

"While we offer comfort and solace to survivors, we take heart in knowing that in joining together, communities can prevent suicides," Trump said in a statement.

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"By openly discussing suicide; recognizing risk factors such as mental illness, trauma, substance abuse, and unemployment; and deploying help to those who need it, we will find hope and prevent untimely deaths," he continued.

The president cited statistics showing suicide is now the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S., and noted that veterans, in particular, are at risk.

"Every day, 20 veterans tragically take their own lives. More service members have died by suicide than from combat in recent years. We must do more—they are our heroes, and they deserve the world-class healthcare my Administration has pledged to provide to them," the president said.

Trump has focused on improving conditions for veterans' health, with a focus on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which was plagued by scandals involving long wait times for medical care at its hospitals and cover-ups.

He made good on a major campaign promise in June by signing a Veterans Affairs reform bill that makes it easier for the VA to fire employees accused of misconduct.