VA to open application portal for the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program

Key Takeaways

Overview

On April 6, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will open the application portal for grant applications for the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program. The grant program, which is eligible for counties to apply, expands suicide prevention efforts beyond clinical settings to address both mental health and social determinants of health, such as economic hardship, social connectedness and access to care. The application portal for Fiscal Year 2027 will open on April 6 and close on June 12. 

The program, originally authorized by the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2019, has supported a total of $210 million to 111 organizations since the program’s launch in 2022. The notice of funding opportunity includes funding availability in this application cycle of approximately $111 million in planned grant awards for this program cycle, with the grant size being a minimum of $100,000 and up to $750,000 per year per eligible entity.

What counties need to know 

Counties may begin to apply for this grant opportunity on April 6, and the application window will close on June 12. Applications will be considered in two waves of priority, with Priority 1 going to application renewals for existing grantees seeking funds equal to or less than their previously awarded amount, and Priority 2 going to initial applications for prospective grantees. Funds will be distributed to accepted Priority 1 applications first, and then if funds remain after that step, remaining funds will be awarded to eligible entities under Priority 2. Grant awards will be for a one-year period starting on September 30 2026. 

Covered suicide prevention services under the grant program include:

• Outreach to identify and engage eligible individuals at highest risk of suicide to ensure veterans and service members who are at elevated risk of suicide or who are not receiving health care or other services furnished by the VA are identified, engaged, and provided suicide prevention services
• Baseline mental health screenings, which are required to all eligible individuals that will be served by this program, in order for the grantee to develop a customized suicide prevention services plan
• Education which may include suicide prevention gatekeeper training, lethal means safety training, or specific education programs that assist communities, veterans and families with the identification, assessment, or prevention of suicide
• Clinical services for emergency treatment when necessary, under the prevailing definition of emergency treatment outlined in federal guidelines
• Case management services focused on suicide prevention to effectively assist participants at risk of suicide based on their assessed needs
• Peer support services offered by a certified specialist who is a veteran in order to help eligible individuals understand what resources and supports are available in their areas for suicide prevention
• Assistance in obtaining VA benefits including vocational and rehabilitation counseling, supportive services for homeless veterans, employment and training services, educational assistance, and health care services
• Assistance in obtaining and coordinating other public benefits and assistance with emergent needs at the Federal, state, local, or tribal agency level
• Nontraditional and innovative approaches and treatment practices provided sufficient detail and evidence of efficacy is provided
• Other services as identified such as financial assistance to third parties to support an eligible individual’s employment or safe storage of lethal means, and other services that may be proposed through the grant application process

Past county recipients of the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program include Santa Clara, Calif., Harris County, Texas, and Oneida County, N.Y.

Next steps

Counties should monitor the application window opening and close dates, and review grant application materials for additional information, here.