VA Gives $112M to Fight Rising Veteran Suicide Rate
Summary
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is giving almost $112 million to community groups across the country to help reduce veteran suicide rates. This money will fund programs that reach veterans who are not currently using VA health care services.Key Facts
- The VA is distributing $111.9 million in grants to 191 organizations through the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program.
- Eligible groups include nonprofits, local governments, federally recognized tribes, and other community-based organizations serving veterans.
- In 2023, 6,398 veterans died by suicide, a slight decrease from 6,442 in 2022, but suicide rates per 100,000 veterans increased slightly for both men and women.
- 61% of veterans who died by suicide in 2023 were not receiving VA health care in the year before their death.
- The grant program aims to reach veterans outside traditional medical settings and address issues like social isolation and financial hardship.
- Services provided by grant recipients include mental health screening, peer support, case management, and help accessing VA benefits.
- California and Texas are the largest recipients of the funds, receiving about $10 million and $7 million respectively.
- In 2025, the program helped about 17,000 veterans and connected 2,647 veterans who hadn't used VA services before.
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