WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Darline Graham (R-South Carolina) today welcomed news that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) awarded grants to South Carolina veterans’ programs that provide suicide prevention services. Through the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, the Upstate Warrior Solution and the Lowcountry Veterans Home will receive $750,000 and $300,000 respectively.
“I am proud to announce that the VA has awarded grants to the Upstate Warrior Solution and the Lowcountry Veterans Home, organizations that provide meaningful and truly lifesaving care to veterans. These two organizations are worthy recipients with established ties to local communities and a proven commitment to serving South Carolina veterans,” said Senator Darline Graham.
“A crucial aspect of the Fox Grant Program is reaching veterans at risk of suicide who may not yet be receiving clinical care through the VA. Most of the veterans we lose to suicide are not receiving VA care in the year before their death. That is why reaching at-risk veterans through trusted community organizations is urgent. I welcome these grants and will always fight to ensure that our veterans have access to the care, support, and resources they need and deserve,” concluded Senator Darline Graham.
Background on the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program:
- Community-based grant program aimed at reducing veteran suicide by expanding prevention efforts beyond the clinical setting, serving eligible veterans where they live, and connecting them with both VA and non-VA services
- Grants are awarded to organizations that provide suicide prevention services for eligible veterans at risk of suicide
- Qualifying organizations complete outreach, offer mental health screening, provide educational materials on suicide risk and prevention, clinical services for crisis intervention, case management, peer and family support services, and assistance in obtaining VA benefits
####