Latest news with #StopSoldierSuicide
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
VA announces $52 million in new grants for veterans suicide prevention
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) states in its latest report that more than 6,400 veterans died by suicide in 2022. In total, about 140,000 service members have committed suicide as reported by the group Stop Soldier Suicide. The suicide rate has more than doubled in veterans 18 to 34 years of age. Veterans are 58% more likely to commit suicide than a non-military individual. According to the VA, most suicide attempts are occurring after exiting, but especially in the first 3 months after service. This risk to veterans remains high years after closing the door behind them. The VA announced Wednesday that it will provide $52.5M in new grants to local organizations to address the challenges of veteran suicide. The money will go to community-based organizations to deliver mental health care and crisis services to veterans in need. Applications up to $750,000 will be accepted. The grants can also be renewed each year while the program lasts. The deadline is July 18 at 4:59 p.m. eastern daylight time, as per Newsweek report. The awards are funded through the Staff Sgt. Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program which was established in a 2019 law and sought to improve mental health care for veterans. Since its inception in 2022, there has been over $157M awarded to nearly 100 organizations located in 43 states, US territories, and tribal lands. Also Read: US suicides recorded at alarming all-time high in 2022: Govt data This announcement of grants complements other announcements from the VA this week. There is no longer the need for a second VA doctor to authorize care and services outside of the VA system. This is expected to speed the care process and minimize administrative paperwork. The VA recently announced updates to simplify benefits claims for families of deceased veterans. Some of these include the relocation of the Office of Survivors Assistance, a new personal support team of veterans called the "White-Glove" Survivor Outreach Team and the increased use of technology to process claims for benefits more expediently.
Newsweek
22-05-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
VA Announces $52 Million Boost to US Veterans
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. 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. GETTY 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.
