Community-based organizations that provide or coordinate suicide prevention services for veterans and the families of those veterans are being invited to apply for a share of $51,750,000 in suicide prevention grants being offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
“The Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program will fund programs in local communities that provide suicide prevention services and resources to veterans and their families along with ensuring veterans have access to our community partners who know how to reach them,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough in a statement.
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The grants are part of the VA and White House national suicide prevention efforts.
The grant is named in honor of Fox, who joined the Army in 2014 and was a sniper instructor at the U.S. Army Infantry School at Fort Benning, Georgia. Known for a life of generosity and kindness to others in need, he died by suicide on July 21, 2020, at the age of 25.
Congress authorized $174 million to carry out the three-year community-based grant program. Organizations can apply for grants worth up to $750,000 and may apply to renew awards from year to year throughout the length of the program.
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The grants will be awarded to organizations that provide or coordinate suicide prevention services for eligible individuals at risk of suicide and their families that qualify, including:
Outreach to identify those at risk of suicide
Education on suicide risk and prevention to families and communities
Provision of clinical services for emergency treatment
Case management services
Peer support services
VA benefits assistance for eligible individuals and their families
Assistance with obtaining and coordinating other benefits provided by the federal government, a state or local government, or an eligible entity
Assistance with emergent needs relating to health care services, daily living services, personal financial planning and counseling, transportation services, temporary income support services, fiduciary and representative payee services, legal services to assist the eligible individual with issues that may contribute to the risk of suicide, and child care
Nontraditional and innovative approaches and treatment practices, as determined appropriate by VA
Other services necessary for improving the mental health status and well-being and reducing the suicide risk of eligible individuals and their families as VA determines appropriate.
The official version of the Notice of Funding Opportunity is scheduled to publish in the Federal Regist April 15. It will provide information about the eligibility and award process. VA will also host a technical assistance webinar for grant applicants.
If you’re a veteran having thoughts of suicide or you know one who is, contact the Veterans Crisis Line 24/7/365 days a year. Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, chat online or text to 838255.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.