The Department of Veterans Affairs (also known as the VA) recently announced that it would be making available $52.5 million in grants to help veterans with suicide prevention. This money will go to programs intended to community-based organizations that work locally with veterans to help them avoid suicide. Applications for grants will run until July 18, and awardees will be chosen by September 30.
What is This Announcement About?
The VA announced it was awarding $52.5 million in grants for programs that provide mental health care for veterans. These grants are being awarded under the Staff Sgt. Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, which was originally established as part of the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2019. That Act was meant to further the broader objective of the National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide.
What is the Purpose of These Grants?
This program exists to provide community-based resources for veterans who are struggling with thoughts of suicide. While the VA does provide mental health care to veterans through its facilities, it is not always the best available option to help veterans, nor can it always quickly respond to mental health crises. These grants help to fund local programs that can respond more quickly and, often, more effectively than the VA can, especially for veterans who do not live near a VA facility.
Why is Suicide Prevention So Important For Veterans?
Unfortunately, veterans struggle with PTSD, depression, and other psychological disorders at a much higher rate than the average citizen. This causes them to experience thoughts of suicide much more often than most other people do, and sadly this also means they are more likely to engage in acts of self-harm. Programs like these help to address veteran mental health care and advance the objective of suicide prevention among veterans.
Why Might This Matter For You?
If you or someone you love is a veteran suffering from thoughts of suicide, getting them the care they need can make a major difference in their lives. Grants like these can help to fund programs that otherwise might not be able to sustain themselves from charitable donations or other forms of funding. Along with other types of help, it can curtail the risk of suicide and ensure veterans have better mental health overall.
The attorneys of Sullivan & Kehoe place a special focus on assisting disabled veterans. Our veterans’ disability lawyers are still available for remote consultation on your legal issues. Call our office at (800) 395-7830 to schedule a consultation in our New York City, Garden City, Kings Park, Riverhead, or White Plains office, or visit our contact page.
