The Rutgers University Cell and DNA Repository has announced a $2.4 million grant from the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine to advance the largest study ever conducted of mental health risk in U.S. service members.

Using blood samples collected by the Army STARRS (Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers) initiative, RUCDR scientists will study the genetic makeup of soldiers to determine whether there is a predisposition to an increased risk of suicide or other mental health issues; from 2004 to 2008 the suicide rate of active duty military increased by 80 percent. Launched in 2009 in conjunction with the National Institute of Mental Health, STARRS seeks to determine why some soldiers are more at risk for suicide and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The largest repository in the world providing DNA, RNA cell lines, and genetic analysis services, RUCDR is involved in a number of other genetic analysis projects, including a $1.5 million National Epidemiologic Survey of Alcoholism and Related Disorders. "I am especially pleased that we have the opportunity to participate in efforts to improve the health of our active military and veterans," said Jay A. Tischfield, Duncan and Nancy MacMillan professor at Rutgers and director of the Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey. "This award may help shed light on the biological basis of these mental health risks."