VA Allocates $10 Million to Support New Initiatives for Veteran Suicide Prevention

The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently announced that it will fund $10 million in veteran suicide prevention efforts. This funding will be awarded to eligible states, territories, and Tribal governments through agreements based on suicide prevent strategies, according to a press release.

“One veteran suicide is one too many, and we will stop at nothing to end veteran suicide,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough in the press release. Secretary McDonough emphasizes that this “first-of-its-kind” initiative will provide education and support to government entities to allow them the opportunity to aid in suicide prevention within the veteran population.

The agreements for funding will include technical assistance to set up and manage suicide mortality review committees to help government entities to further understand and characterize deaths caused by suicide. An additional facet of this initiative is to develop and implement data-informed strategies to implement preventive measures.

With the ongoing partnership between the VA and the US Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the funding opportunity to invest in veteran suicide prevention should continue to expand and engage states and territories. To date, there are about 55 states and territories that have already implemented suicide prevention strategies to active members, veterans, and their families.

According to the release, “this funding is for one year, with awards expected to be made no later than September 30, 2024. The application period for this opportunity opened June 21, 2024 and closes July 24, 2024 at 4:59 PM, ET.”

For more information on funding opportunities, visit mentahleath.va.gov/smr.

Reference

VA announces $10M in new funding opportunities for state, territory, and Tribal governments to help understand and prevent veteran suicide. News release. VA News. June 24, 2024. Accessed July 10, 2024. https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-10m-in-new-funding-opportunities-for-state-territory-and-tribal-governments-to-help-understand-and-prevent-veteran-suicide/