GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) – Two Colorado U.S. Senators celebrated the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announcement of over $600,000 in federal grants for Colorado organizations providing suicide prevention programs and services for veterans and their families.
“It takes all of us, working together, to prevent Veteran suicide,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “By working together with these organizations in the community, we’ll be able to save more lives and get one step closer to our goal of ensuring that no Veteran is ever alone in their time of need.”
The VA awarded $477,458 to the Healing Warriors Program in the Eastern Plains and the Front Range and $165,171 to the Valley-Wide Health Systems in Southern Colorado.
“Over six thousand veterans die by suicide each year. We won’t stand by as our veterans suffer in silence after serving their country,” said Hickenlooper. “These grants will save lives.”
The grants are a part of the VA’s National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide and the Biden-Harris Administration’s strategy to reduce military and Veteran suicide.
“Our country’s veterans have sacrificed so much to keep us safe, and we must do more to ensure they have access to the mental health care they’ve earned,” said Bennet. “I’m grateful Colorado will benefit from this investment, which will save lives and expand urgently needed support to veterans nationwide.”
In addition to awarding these grants, the VA has taken many additional steps during this fiscal year to expand Veteran suicide prevention efforts, including:
Offering free emergency suicide prevention care, regardless of enrollment status. Streamlining access to the Veterans Crisis Line via Dial 988 then Press 1. Conducting outreach to Veterans in need. Collaborating with local partners to prevent Veteran suicide. Supporting Veterans experiencing financial stress. Informing suicide prevention actions through enhanced data.
If you’re a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, contact the Veterans Crisis Line to receive 24/7 confidential support. You don’t have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect. To reach responders, Dial 988 then Press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255.
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Publish date : 2024-09-15 08:18:00
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