22-05-2025
VA Announces $52 Million Boost to US Veterans
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The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced more than $50 million in grants to help suicide prevention.
Why It Matters
In a 2024 report, the VA revealed there were 6,407 suicides among Veterans in 2022, the latest year for which data is available. According to Stop Soldier Suicide, 140,000 service men and women have died this way since 2001, and the suicide rate among veterans ages 18 to 34 has more than doubled. Veterans are also at 58 percent higher risk of suicide than those who haven't served.
According to the VA, most suicide attempts among current or future veterans occur after they leave military service. The risk is highest during the first three months following separation, though it remains elevated for several years after the transition.
What To Know
In a press release issued on Wednesday, the VA announced that some $52.5 million in funding is now available to support community-based organizations focused on suicide prevention and emergency clinical services for veterans at risk of taking their own life.
Eligible organizations can apply for individual grants of up to $750,000, with the opportunity to renew awards annually throughout the life of the program. The deadline for applications is 4:59 p.m. ET on July 18.
These grants are part of the VA's Staff Sgt. Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, established under the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2019. According to the VA, since its launch in 2022, the Fox grant program has awarded more than $157 million to nearly 100 organizations across 43 states, U.S. territories and tribal lands.
Stock image/file photo: The American flag attached to the American military uniform.
Stock image/file photo: The American flag attached to the American military uniform.
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The announcement follows other health care changes revealed by the VA this week. Veterans no longer need a second VA physician to review and approve their eligibility to receive non-VA health care in an effort to reduce wait times and administrative bottlenecks.
The VA also announced earlier this month it is simplifying how survivors and dependents of deceased veterans access VA benefits. The reforms include relocating the Office of Survivors Assistance (OSA), launching a personalized "White-Glove" Survivor Outreach Team, and expanding automation in the benefits system.
What People Are Saying
VA Secretary Doug Collins said in a press release: "Reducing Veteran suicide starts with reaching Veterans when and how it's most convenient for them. One of the best ways to accomplish this mission is by working with community-based organizations. We look forward to ensuring these funds are put to use helping Veterans in need across the nation."
What Happens Next
The VA will choose the grant recipients by September 30.
If you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to to find a helpline near you.
