$52.5 Million Awarded in Federal Grants for Veteran Suicide Prevention

In a recent press release, the US Department of Veterans Affairs announced it would award $52.5 million in grants to community-based organizations that provide or coordinate suicide prevention services for veterans and their families.

“Veterans in crisis should always have access to the services and support they need – including mental health screenings, peer support, emergency services, and more,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “There are countless great organizations across America that work side-by-side with VA to do this life-saving work, and we are proud to support their efforts.”

Related: Hospitalization Following Suicide Attempt May Benefit Some, but Individualized Approach Needed

The VA has taken significant steps since 2021 to prioritize ending veteran suicide. These efforts include providing no-cost health care at VA or non-VA facilities for veterans in crisis, introducing the 988 helpline for faster connection with qualified responders, collaborating with suicide prevention organizations, expanding firearm suicide prevention efforts, and launching a national awareness campaign.

The awarded funding will be officially distributed through the third round of grants under the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program. The program will prioritize opportunities for funding entities with existing SSG Fox SPGP awards and then the remaining funds will be distributed to new organizations applying for grants worth up to $750,000.

Organizations eligible to receive grant funding include those that conduct veteran mental health screenings, provide case management and peer support services, deliver emergency clinical services, reach out to Veterans at risk of suicide, and more.

Applications are due by April 26, 2024, and awards will be granted to eligible entities by September 30, 2024. The funds will be used by the selected organizations in fiscal year 2025. Information about the program, eligibility, and award process are available through the VA’s Notice of Funding Opportunity.

Reference

VA to award $52.5 million in grants to local organizations working to prevent Veteran suicide. US Department of Veterans Affairs. News Release. Published January 25, 2024. Accessed January 25, 2024. https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-to-award-52-5m-grants/

This article was originally published in Veterans Health Today.