VA is continuing its mission of preventing Veteran suicide by partnering with community organizations across the country.

Through the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program (SSG Fox SPGP), which is part of the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act, VA has awarded $52.5 million to 80 awardees in 43 states, the District of Columbia and American Samoa for services in fiscal years 2022 and 2023.

Grants advance VA’s mission to prevent Veteran suicide

The SSG Fox SPGP advances VA’s mission by using a public health model that combines partnerships with the community to implement tailored, local prevention plans while also focusing on evidence-based clinical strategies for intervention.

Program will continue

Organizations may apply to renew awards grants from year to year throughout the three years of the program.

Prior to the announcement of awards, VA published an Interim Final Rule in March, as well as a Notice of Funding Opportunity for fiscal years 2022 and 2023 in April. The Notice of Funding Opportunity for fiscal year 2024 is forthcoming.

A life honored

SSG Fox SPGP honors Veteran Parker Gordon 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, Fox died by suicide on July 21, 2020, at the age of 25.

To view the full list of awarded organizations, visit the SSG Fox SPGP website.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, contact the Veterans Crisis Line to receive free, confidential support and crisis intervention available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Dial 988 and then Press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255.

Reporters covering this issue can download VA’s Safe Messaging Best Practices fact sheet or visit www.ReportingOnSuicide.org for important guidance on how to communicate about suicide.