Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grants
VA Grants for Suicide Prevention Services
The Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program is a VA effort “to provide resources toward community-based suicide prevention efforts to meet the needs of Veterans and their families through outreach, suicide prevention services, and connection to VA and community resources,” according to the VA official site.
The effort is part of the Department of Veteran Affairs National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide and was created to further “a public health approach” combining prevention and “clinical strategies.”
Helping those at risk for suicide is so important within the veteran community. These grants will go to help the veterans who are struggling and will make a difference to those who are in need of this type of support as well as their families. This will make for a stronger veteran and military community.
“Communities are important partners in our work to end Veteran suicide,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “The Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program will fund programs in local communities that provide suicide prevention services and resources to Veterans and their families along with ensuring Veterans have access to our community partners who know how to reach them.” – from the VA Press Release
Organizations That May Qualify for a Grant
- Incorporated private institutions or foundations
- A corporation wholly owned or controlled by an incorporated private institution or foundation
- Indian tribes
- Community-based organizations that can effectively network with local civic organizations
- Regional Health Systems
- Other settings where eligible individuals and their families are like to have contact
- State or local governments
The VA may prioritize awards to organizations serving areas with limited access to medical services, and in areas with a high number or percentage of minority veterans or women veterans.
The efforts may also focus on areas with a high number or percentage of calls to the Veterans Crisis Line. Doing this will ensure that those who need these services the most will be more likely to get them.
Services the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Grant May Cover
From the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grants FAQ page.
- Baseline mental health screening for risk
- Education on suicide risk and prevention to families and communities
- Provision of clinical services for emergency treatment
- Case management services
- Peer support services
- VA benefits assistance for eligible individuals and their families
- Assistance with obtaining and coordinating other benefits provided by the federal government, a state or local government, or an eligible entity
- Assistance with emergent needs relating to health care services, daily living services, personal financial planning and counseling,
- Nontraditional and innovative approaches and treatment practices, as determined appropriate by VA
- Other services necessary for improving the mental health status and well-being and reducing the suicide risk of eligible individuals and their families as the VA determines appropriate
Who is the grant named after?
Veteran Parker Gordon Fox joined the Army in 2014. He was a sniper instructor at the U.S. Army Infantry School at Fort Benning and was known for his generosity and kindness to others in need. He passed away by suicide in 2020 at the age of 25.
How does an organization apply for these grants?
Apply via the online application.
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About the author
Julie Provost is a freelance writer, and blogger. She lives in Tennessee with her National Guard husband and three boys.
