The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has awarded $2.7 million to organizations in Texas fighting to prevent veteran suicide.
On September 12, the VA announced that it had awarded a total of $52.5 million to 85 organizations working to end veteran suicide.
The money comes from its Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program. The program is named after 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.”
Grants were given to organizations that identify veterans at risk of suicide, provide baseline mental health screening, educate families and communities about suicide risk and prevention, offer peer support services, and other services that focus on reducing suicide risk.
Grants were prioritized in areas with high calls to the Veterans Crisis Line.
The grants were a part of the VA’s National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide, a “road map” for how the VA plans to address the increasing rate of suicide among veterans.
“According to data released by the [CDC], suicide was the 10th leading cause of death across all ages in 2016, claiming the lives of nearly 45,000 people,” the strategy document reads. “It is estimated that Veteran suicides represent approximately 22 percent of all suicide deaths in the U.S.”
The 42-page document lays out key efforts that can be made to decrease the risk of suicide among veterans. The VA provides a universal framework for suicide prevention, ways to empower veterans and their families, and successful mental health treatment strategies.
In addition to awarding the grants, the VA has begun providing free emergency care for veterans in suicidal crisis, regardless of VA health care status. As of August 14, the VA has provided care to over 74,000 veterans through this policy.
VA’s data shows that 20 veterans die by suicide each day. Rates of suicide are highest among younger veterans between the ages of 18 and 29.
In 2021, over 6,000 veterans died by suicide — up by 114 from the number of veteran suicides in 2020. Among those deaths, 25.4% suffered from PTSD.
These statistics represent an alarming trend of increase in suicides for veterans since the VA started collecting data in 2001, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
If you are a veteran in crisis or you are concerned about a loved one, contact the Veterans Crisis Line to receive free, confidential support.
Veteran crisis lines can be reached by dialing 988 and pressing 1, texting 838-255, or online chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.
Crisis care is available 24/7 and accessible for free regardless of VA benefits enrollment status.