Jason Williams, a Marine Corps veteran and UCLA chemistry doctoral candidate, and Angel Fulgencio, who works in domestic violence intervention, say programs that help former service members move from military life into higher education are increasingly vulnerable. Both participated in UCLA’s Veterans in STEM program, which connects student veterans with research training, faculty mentors and hands-on lab experience.

The transition from active duty to a college campus can be difficult, they said. Many veterans are older than traditional college students, carry different life experiences and may be dealing with combat-related trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder. Some also face financial instability, interrupted schooling or homelessness before reaching a classroom.

Those challenges make campus-based support programs especially important, Williams and Fulgencio argue. UCLA’s Veterans in STEM program, housed within the university’s Center for Developing Leadership in Science, helps veterans build research experience needed for jobs, graduate school and long-term careers in science and health fields.

Participants attend weekly training sessions, work in laboratories with faculty and mentors, and may take part in intensive summer research opportunities. Some later mentor other veterans entering the program.

But the program’s future became uncertain after federal officials froze millions of dollars in grant funding to UCLA, affecting research programs across the university. According to the veterans, the uncertainty forced a pause in admissions last spring, and students who completed the initial training were unable to move forward to the next stage.

The situation has drawn attention to Senate Bill 895, the California Science and Health Research Bond Act. The bipartisan proposal, sponsored by the University of California, would ask voters to approve $12 billion in funding for research grants, loans and facilities tied to medicine, science jobs and health-related innovation.

Supporters say the bond could help California maintain research programs and protect training opportunities while federal funding disputes continue. For student veterans, Williams and Fulgencio said, that could mean preserving access to programs that help turn military experience into academic and professional advancement.

Federal officials have described some university research cuts as an effort to eliminate “woke programs,” but the veterans say the impact reaches people who served the country and are now trying to build civilian careers. Although the National Science Foundation grant supporting the program has been reinstated for now, the broader legal fight remains unresolved.

Williams and Fulgencio argue that veterans strengthen higher education because they bring practical, real-world experience and different perspectives to research. Reducing support for those students, they said, ultimately weakens universities and undermines the nation’s broader interest in scientific progress.

California lawmakers would need to place SB 895 on the November ballot before voters could decide whether to approve the bond. For veterans pursuing higher education, supporters say the measure represents a chance for the state to reinforce both its commitment to former service members and its investment in research that benefits Californians.

Original source: CalMatters

The post California Veterans’ Higher Ed Funding at Risk as $12 Billion Bond Proposal Offers Hope appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

“West Coast Thunder” is scheduled to roar to life on the morning of May 25.

Riverside Harley-Davidson always hosts the event, which began in 2000 when the dealership belonged to Skip Fordyce and operated under that banner.

More than 7,500 motorcycle enthusiasts are expected to take part in this year’s ride.

The event returned in May 2023 following a three-year hiatus, initially stemming from the COVID lockdowns, then ongoing concerns that led to further cancellations.

This year’s event will get underway in front of the dealership at 7688 Indiana Ave., with motorcyclists bearing American flags and other ensigns starting to assemble about 6 a.m. on May 25. They’ll leave the location at 9:11 a.m., under escort by Riverside police officers, Riverside County sheriff’s deputies and other law enforcement personnel, proceeding up Alessandro Boulevard to south Riverside, where residents regularly gather on sidewalks to wave and show support.

The ride will then transition to Van Buren Boulevard, where some participants will peel off to Riverside National Cemetery to pay their respects, while others will loop back to downtown Riverside via area freeways, making a wide sweep that will conclude near the Riverside Municipal Auditorium.

The exact route had not been announced as of Monday. However, West Coast Thunder Foundation Director Jackson Dodd said two local bands, The New Originals and Travis Humble Heritage Harmonic, had been confirmed to perform for riders and other celebrants in the Historic Downtown space, beginning in the early afternoon of May 25.

“There is a unique synergy between the rumble of a motorcycle engine and the rhythm of live rock and roll,” Dodd said. “Bringing The New Originals and Travis Humble into the fold allows us to celebrate our local culture while maintaining our focus on honoring those who have served.”

There will be a beer garden and other activities during the afternoon entertainment.

In previous years, the rides traveled farther east to San Jacinto, or farther south into the Temecula Valley.

A large share of proceeds raised from the rides and musical shows are donated to the Riverside National Cemetery Support Committee, which relies on contributions to build monuments and make other improvements at the hallowed grounds, where over 250,000 U.S. military veterans, police officers, firefighters and others are interred.

More than $1 million has been generated over the past two decades, and even when the rides weren’t held, the West Coast Thunder Foundation continued donation drives to support the cemetery.

More information about the rides is available at westcoastthunder.com/.

The post 7,500 Motorcycle Enthusiasts Expected In Riverside County For Annual ‘West Coast Thunder’ appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

America was front and center on the D-Day, and America was front and center during the commemoration ceremonies. No matter what your politics maybe, President Biden was undeniably our representative on that stage and his words were the words of our nation. When he spoke, it was America that was speaking through him, and what he said in his speech, were the sentiments of each and every one of us. As always, democracy and freedom were the trending concepts.

Along with the President of the United States, were many other leaders who all together showcased the mightiest of the nations on this earth. As spectacular as the gathering of these personalities was, it was significantly overshadowed by the presence of real, actual Veterans of the actual D-Day, who participated in the landing at the beaches of Normandy 8 decades ago. Many have lived for over or close to 100 years. Most of us don’t have any idea as to what these men went through and what their determination accomplished. Most of us can’t even imagine being in their shoes, putting their lives on the line, and walking through that hail of bullets to achieve what must have seemed impossible.

As I watched some of the ceremonies, there were videos of D-Day landing playing on a loop. I was able to feel the shadow of death spread over the entire operation. There was an eerie and ominous filter on the camera that captured, what Hemmingway described as the “…death being issued in small, intimate, accurately administered packages.” As the soldiers disembarked from their boats and made a run to the land, I could see the bullets welcoming their onslaught. A soldier stepped out of the water and fell to the ground, face down onto the wet sand, never to rise again. I couldn’t take my eyes off of that “heavily laden bundle”, as there were thousands more similar bundles falling all around.

I dare not even think of what must have been going through the minds of those that kept charging, fully aware that the next bullet may have their name written on it. They were ready and willing to embrace death, but their mission must be completed. They were young men, same age as my sons who are serving this nation right now, with the same oath to defend this country, as these bravest of the brave men served their county. I dare not imagine what it feels like to know with complete certainty that the next breath you take, will most likely be your last.

But, there they were, those heroes, present during the ceremonies, dwarfing the rest of the world with their larger than life personas, smiling, saluting, and saying words of encouragement to the rest of us little people who take so many things for granted. These men set the course for the United States to become the quintessential superpower of our day. These men defined what it means to be free, because it was their courage that set the line that no enemy of ours has been able to cross and attack us in our own homeland.

As President Biden said in his speech, “These men knew that there are things worth fighting, and dying for.” I was humbled by their strength, even though most were in wheelchairs, pushed by their helpers, feeble as the time has taken its toll on their bodies. Death will eventually come, but on that day, they willingly went looking for death, and in front of their determination, death was hiding from them.

They are the true heroes, the ones that died are bigger heroes, more so than the ones that lived, but heroes nevertheless. Their willingness to give their lives, and in many cases, to actually give their lives, for this nation, is the epitome of patriotism. True patriotism, not just giving lip service to the idea and taking credit for superficial acts that, by any definition, are actually cowardly acts.

The post True Patriotism appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

On Thursday, May 23, about a dozen youths placed more than 50 flags at the gravesites of veterans who are buried at the cemetery. Many are relatives of the youths who were there that day, bringing another level of meaning to the task at hand. They were reminded how important to the community and to all those who served in the military to have them remembered in this way and that they should be proud of their involvement.

While there, the young men and women also tidied up the sites by removing debris and straightening overturned vases and more. Four members of the Soboba Fire Department took rakes and other tools to the parking area where guests would gather for the ceremony the following Monday, May 27. They raked up debris from shade trees and leveled out the surfaces.

Capt. Frank Martinez, who is part of the Wildland Urban Interface crew, made sure everyone had the proper tools to take care of the cleanup. Fire Apparatus Engineer Glenn Lindsey said the cemetery is a special project for the fire department, always keeping it clean and looking nice.

“It’s personal for me; I have family buried here and I want to make sure they are taken care of,” he said. “Me and my family come up here all the time to clean up and throw out dead flowers and things like that; it’s something you grow up doing around here.”

Soboba Tribal Youth Council membership is open to youth from 12-18 who are Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians Tribal members and those who are of Native American descent. Along with providing an understanding of the functions and responsibilities of Tribal government, participation provides leadership development and spiritual, mental, physical and social growth, as well as opportunities to attend cultural events. They host many fundraisers to cover expenses for the group’s activities.

In between the monthly in-person meetings, members and the Advisory Board stay connected through a group chat app where they can share information about upcoming events and make collective decisions. Officers are Chairwoman Rhianna Salgado, 16, Vice Chairwoman Raya Salgado, 14, Secretary Akwaalimay Resvaloso, 15, Treasurer Aniyah Brittian, 12, and Member-at-Large Nowaniiki Resvaloso, 13.

Advisory Board members include Parks and Recreation Director Andy Silvas and other department staff, Tribal Council Vice Chairwoman Geneva Mojado and Secretary Monica Herrera and parents of youth council members. The youth-led council, under the guidance of its Advisory Board, is affiliated with the United National Tribal Youth network, also known as UNITY.

The Soboba Tribal Youth Council constitution and bylaws outline the objectives of the group, which is to provide a collective voice and represent the Tribal youth in all matters that concern them; to serve as a means of mobilizing and coordinating the actions of the youth, other community members and organize them towards positive goals; to promote the development of future Tribal leaders; and to complete community service projects and provide opportunities for the youth to interact with the community for fun and fellowship.

The Memorial Day ceremony began at dawn when Gabe Herrera from Soboba Fire quickly raised the American flag to full-staff position and then slowly lowered it to half-staff to honor the fallen service men and women of this country. Veteran Richard VanDyke-Parker raised it back to full staff at 11 a.m. in recognition of living military veterans who served the country and it remained at full staff until sunset. Richard served in the U.S. Navy from 1975-1996. This action marked the end of the ceremony that had started with prayer from St. Joseph Catholic Church Reverend Earl Henley. A morning mass had been held at the church before parishioners joined him at the veterans’ memorial, a permanent fixture at the east end of the cemetery that is “dedicated to the memory of the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians and non-Tribal Members who gave their all for us.” Father Henley also called for a moment of silence for the fallen.

After a blessing of the marker, members of Soboba Tribal Youth Council took turns reading names in memory and honor of those who served in the military. Alphabetically, honored Soboba Tribal Veterans whose names were read during the roll call were M.J. Apapas,  Daniel Arres, Gordon Arres, Norbit Arres, Theodore P. Arres, Leonard Arrietta Sr., Ralph C. Arrietta, Robert Arrietta, Anderson Begay, Robert Bentiste, Larry C. Boniface, Paul Boniface, , Gabriel Castello, Peter F. Castello,  Gloria Cozart, Jessie M. Gilmore,  Benny C. Helms Sr., Reginald P. Helms, Romaldo A. Helms, Martin Hurtado, Joe John Lala, Tiefielo Francis Lugo, Kenneth Mathers, Marcus E. Mojado, Danny Navarro, David Navarro, Paul A. Resvaloso, Prudencio Resvaloso, Ernest Salgado Sr., Richard Salgado Sr., Albert Silvas, Allynn Silvas, Daniel Silvas, Frank “Chico” Silvas, Joe “Jody” Silvas, Eloy Soza, Frank E. Soza, Michael Soza, William P. Soza, John Vincent Valdez, Carmel Paul Valenzuella and Louis Vivanco.

Non-Tribal veterans, whose names were included in the roll call, were Eugene F. Arenas, Tony D. Basquez Sr., Bruce Cozart, Miguel R. Briones, Refugio R. Garcia Jr., Orvin D. Gilmore, Foster Hurtado Sr., Andrew Jackson, Ben Largo, Arthur R. Lopez Sr., Mariano Steven Largo,  Leonard Lubo, Senon Lubo, Richard Patrick Macy, Fred Miranda Sr., Peter D. Morillo Sr., Pio Morillo,  James Paul Navarro,  Phillip Rodriguez, Mariano Tortez and James Walker.

Soboba Tribal Council Chairman Isaiah Vivanco, who was invited to the microphone to say a few words, said it was great to see the turnout that seems to increase each year.

“I think it’s important that we come out and not only say thanks to our veterans but also to memorialize and remember those that have served and are no longer here with us. It’s important to make sure that we pay that tribute to keep their history and names alive.”

He introduced fellow Tribal Council members Geneva Mojado, Mike Bentiste, Monica Herrera and Daniel Valdez. “I also want to thank the fire department, Sports Complex staff Andy (Silvas) and Steve (Lopez) and youth council. Our youth council has been working to make sure the flags get out to those that need remembrance, making sure that all the graves of all our lost heroes are marked and remembered. It’s important that we continue that tradition and I think with the youth learning where these markers are at, that tradition will be carried on and that’s something we need to be thankful for.”

He said that under the tutelage of elder Marian Chacon, the youth are learning how to continue the traditions that are so important to the people of Soboba. Guests at the Memorial Day event were invited to a brunch at the Soboba Sports Complex after the ceremony and enjoyed delicious food served by members of the Soboba Youth Council who hosted the meal.

The post Soboba Youth Council steps up for the community appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

WASHINGTON — The Joint Commission and National Quality Forum announced VA’s Surgical Pause practice has been recognized with the prestigious John M. Eisenberg Patient Safety and Quality Award in the National Level Innovation in Patient Safety and Quality category for its innovative efforts resulting in improved health care outcomes of frail Veterans considering surgery.

The Surgical Pause is an initiative that uses a risk analysis index to screen Veterans for frailty in 30 seconds, effectively flagging high-risk Veterans so the surgical team can ensure the proposed treatment plans both mitigate known risks and align with the Veterans’ overarching life goals. Routine frailty screening with the RAI rapidly identifies the 5-10% of patients who experience disproportionately high rates of postoperative complication, loss of independence and mortality. For these patients, a brief “pause” permits further evaluation to review of goals of care and optimize treatment plans.

This initiative, which has already been launched at 50 VA facilities and is rolling out across the nation, is proven to decrease mortality among Veterans.A 2023 study published in JAMA Surgery reported that from July 1, 2016 to May 31, 2019, one-year mortality fell from 20% to 16% after implementing the Surgical Pause in a sample of more than 50,000 patients.

“The Surgical Pause is an innovative, data-driven clinical practice that saves Veterans lives by predicting and preventing complications before they happen,” said VA Under Secretary for Health, Shereef Elnahal, M.D. “We are thrilled to be rolling out the Surgical Pause across the nation as a part of VA’s steadfast commitment to providing Veterans with high-quality, world-class health care they deserve.”

VA is proven to be the best, most affordable health care in America for Veterans. In 2023 alone, peer-reviewed studies showed that VA health care is better than or equal to non-VA health care; nearly 70% of VA hospitals received 4 or 5 stars in the annual CMS Hospital ratings, compared to just 41% of non-VA hospitals; VA hospitals outperformed non-VA hospitals in all 10 patient satisfaction metrics in Medicare’s latest survey of patients; and more than 91% of Veterans trust VA with their care.

Surgical Pause is led by VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System Surgeon Daniel Hall, M.D., with support from VHA’s National Surgery Office, Office of Geriatrics and Extended Care and VHA’s Diffusion of Excellence program.

VHA’s National Surgery Office serves as a champion for the Surgical Pause, formally adopting it as a national initiative in 2023. The National Surgery Office will support implementation at VA facilities with surgical programs to further improve outcomes and align treatment plans with Veterans’ overarching life goals. To learn more, visit the Surgical Pause page.

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

The post VA launches new surgery initiative across the nation, a critical step to saving the lives of Veterans considering surgery appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

This is a result of VA’s new 2023 policy that eligible American Indian and Alaska Native Veterans are no longer required to make copayments for VA health care, urgent care, or prescriptions. Under this policy, VA also reimburses for copayments paid on or after Jan. 5, 2022. 

“To live their best lives, Veterans need access to affordable health care,” said VA Under Secretary for Health Shereef Elnahal, M.D. “This copayment exemption honors our treaties with sovereign nations and the distinguished service of American Indian and Alaska Native Veterans.”

Eligible Veterans include any American Indian and Alaska Native Veteran who meets the definitions of “Indian” or “urban Indian” under the Indian Health Care Improvement Act.

VA is continuing to receive, review, and process documentation for the copayment exemption. To apply for the copayment exemption, Veterans should mail 1) a completed VA Tribal Documentation Form (VA Form 10-334), and 2) a copy of official tribal documentation to VHA Tribal Documentation at P.O. Box 5100, Janesville, WI 53547.

Find more information on the copayment exemption for American Indian and Alaska Native Veterans. 

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

The post After VA waives copays, American Indian and Alaska Native Veterans save $2.5 million in health care costs appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

WASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs issued a proposed rule outlining plans to expand the locations and time frames for which VA presumes exposure to Agent Orange and other herbicides. If this proposed rule becomes final, VA will implement a new presumption of exposure to locations where herbicides were tested, used, or stored outside of Vietnam. Specifically, this proposed rule would add locations in the United States (full list of US locations where Agent Orange was tested or stored), Canada, and India to the existing presumptives for Agent Orange in Vietnam, Cambodia, Johnson Atoll, Guam, American Samoa, Korea, Laos, and Thailand.

A presumption of exposure means that VA automatically assumes that Veterans who served in certain locations were exposed to certain toxins. Presumptives lower the burden of proof required to receive disability benefits, helping Veterans get the benefits they deserve as quickly as possible. This expansion of presumptives will help Veterans who served in the specified locations receive health care and benefits for certain cancers and chronic conditions. To be eligible, a Veteran must have served in the identified location(s) during a specific time period and currently have a condition(s) presumptively associated with herbicide exposure.

Delivering world-class health care and benefits to toxic-exposed Veterans is a top priority for VA and the Biden-Harris Administration. As a part of President Biden’s pledge to serve Veterans with military toxic exposures, over the past few years, VA has expanded presumptive service connection for more than hundreds of  health conditions related to toxic exposures under the PACT Act – the largest expansion of Veteran care and benefits in generations. Thanks to this historic action, VA is delivering more care and more benefits to more Veterans than ever before in U.S. history.

“This proposed change would make it easier for Veterans exposed to herbicides who served outside Vietnam to access the benefits they so rightly deserve,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “Our goal is to provide every Veteran – of every era – with the VA health care and benefits they deserve, and this is another step in the right direction.”

Veterans who want to file an initial claim for a herbicide-related disability can visit VA’s website, use VA Form 21-526EZ, Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits, or work with a VA-recognized Veterans Service Organization to assist with the application process. Veterans may also contact their state Veterans Affairs Office. Survivors can file claims for benefits based on the Veteran’s service if the Veteran died from at least one of the recognized presumptive herbicide diseases.

This proposed rule also codifies provisions in the PACT Act, the Blue Water Navy Act of 2019, and the National Defense Authorization Act for 2021.

For more information about the changes, visit The Federal Register.

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

The post VA proposes rule to extend presumed areas of exposure to Agent Orange and other herbicides, making it easier for exposed Veterans to receive their earned benefits appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

WASHINGTON — As a part of ongoing efforts to end Veteran homelessness, the Department of Veterans Affairs published a Notice of Funding Opportunity for approximately $5 million in grants per year (for up to two years) to help Veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

The funds are available through VA’s Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program, which offers financial assistance to eligible community organizations that provide Veterans with transitional housing and case management — including connecting eligible Veterans to VA benefits, community-based services, and permanent housing. These special needs grants support homeless Veterans who are women, elderly, terminally ill, chronically mentally ill, or who have care of minor dependents.

Ending Veteran homelessness is a top priority of VA and President Biden, who has made supporting Veterans a key pillar of his Unity Agenda for the nation. Earlier this week, VA announced that it permanently housed 46,552homeless Veterans in 2023 — surpassing the calendar year goal to house 38,000 Veterans by 22.5%. Thanks in part to these efforts, the number of Veterans experiencing homelessness has fallen by 4% since early 2020 and by more than 52% since 2010.

“We won’t rest until every Veteran has the safe, stable home that they deserve,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “These grants will allow VA — alongside community organizations —to help provide housing and wraparound services to more homeless and at-risk Veterans.”

VA’s efforts to combat Veteran homelessness are grounded in reaching out to homeless Veterans, understanding their unique needs, and addressing them. These efforts are built on the evidence-based “Housing First” approach, which prioritizes getting a Veteran into housing, then providing them with the wraparound support they need to stay housed, including health care, job training, legal and education assistance, and more. This initiative is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s broader efforts to reduce homelessness.

Only the 16 existing special need grantees are eligible to apply. Awards will fund two years of operations starting fiscal year 2025 on Oct. 1, 2024, and ending Sept. 30, 2026. Grant applications must be received by 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on April 15, 2024.

View the special need NOFO, and learn more about GPD or email GPDGrants@va.gov.  For more information about VA’s comprehensive efforts to end Veteran homelessness visit VA.gov/homeless.

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

The post VA announces $5M in grant funding for transitional supportive housing for homeless Veterans appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

In 2023, VA also engaged with 40,203 unsheltered Veterans to connect them with the housing and resources they need, exceeding the Department’s calendar year goal by 43.6%; ensured that 95.9% of Veterans housed have remained in housing, exceeding the Department’s calendar year goal by 0.9%; and ensured that 96.4% of the Veterans who returned to homelessness have been rehoused or are on a pathway to rehousing, exceeding the Department’s calendar year goal by 6.4%.

Ending Veteran homelessness is a top priority of VA and President Biden, who has made supporting Veterans a key pillar of his Unity Agenda for the nation. Thanks in part to these efforts, the number of Veterans experiencing homelessness has fallen by 4% since early 2020 and by more than 52% since 2010.

“No Veteran should ever experience the tragedy and indignity of homelessness. More than 46,000 formerly homeless Veterans are going to sleep tonight in good, safe, stable homes — and there’s nothing more important than that,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “While this is an important step forward, we’re not stopping here — we’re going to keep pushing until every Veteran has a safe, stable place to call home in this country they fought to defend.”

VA’s efforts to combat Veteran homelessness are grounded in reaching out to homeless Veterans, understanding their unique needs, and addressing them. These efforts are built on the evidence-based “Housing First” approach, which prioritizes getting a Veteran into housing, then providing them with the wraparound support they need to stay housed, including health care, job training, legal and education assistance, and more. This initiative is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s broader efforts to reduce homelessness.

VA has also made progress in combating Veteran homelessness in the Greater Los Angeles area, providing 1,790 homeless Veterans with permanent housing in 2023 — which is the most of any city in America and exceeding the local calendar year goal for 2023 by 19.3%.

This is the second year in a row that VA has housed more than 40,000 homeless Veterans. In 2022, VA housed more than 40,000 formerly homeless Veterans, prevented more than 17,700 Veterans and their families from falling into homelessness, and helped nearly 191,700 additional Veteran families who were experiencing financial difficulties to retain their homes or avoid foreclosure.

VA staff and its community partners nationwide help Veterans find permanent housing such as apartments or houses to rent or own, often with subsidies to help make the housing affordable. In some cases, VA staff and partners help Veterans end their homelessness by reuniting them with family and friends.

For more information about VA’s comprehensive efforts to end Veteran homelessness, visit VA.gov/homeless.

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

The post VA housed more than 46,000 homeless Veterans in 2023 appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

These grants will be awarded through VA’s Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program. The Notice of Funding Opportunity provides information about the program, eligibility, and award process. Applications are due by 11:59 pm E.T., April 26 and awards will be granted to eligible entities by Sept. 30, 2024. The funds will be used by the selected organizations in fiscal year 2025.

Ending Veteran suicide is VA’s top clinical priority and a key part of fulfilling President Biden’s Unity Agenda for the nation. Since 2021, VA has worked aggressively to expand support for Veterans in crisis, including offering no-cost health care to Veterans in suicidal crisis at VA or non-VA facilities; launching the 988 (then press 1) to help Veterans connect more quickly with caring, qualified responders through the Veterans Crisis Line; partnering with community-based suicide prevention organizations to provide Veterans with on-the-ground support; expanding firearm suicide prevention efforts; and encouraging Veterans to reach out for help through a national Veteran suicide prevention awareness campaign. Moving forward, VA and the Biden-Harris Administration will continue to work urgently to end Veteran suicide through a public health approach that combines both community-based and clinically based strategies to save lives.

“Veterans in crisis should always have access to the services and support they need – including mental health screenings, peer support, emergency services, and more,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “There are countless great organizations across America that work side-by-side with VA to do this life-saving work, and we are proud to support their efforts.”

This will be the third round of grants awarded as part of VA’s Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program. In September 2023, VA awarded grants totaling $52.5 million to 80 community-based organizations in 43 states, Washington, D.C., Guam, and American Samoa. The grant program is named after Parker Gordon Fox, a sniper instructor who died by suicide at the age of 25.

Grant funding will be divided into two priorities. Under Priority 1, VA will provide opportunities for funding to those entities with existing SSG Fox SPGP awards. Under Priority 2, new organizations can apply for grants worth up to $750,000. Following the selection of Priority 1 grantee applicants, any remaining funds will be awarded according to Priority 2. VA may prioritize the distribution of suicide prevention services grants under this priority to: (i) Rural communities; (ii) Tribal lands; (iii) Territories of the United States; (iv) Medically underserved areas; (v) Areas with a high number or percentage of minority Veterans or women Veterans; and (vi) Areas with a high number or percentage of calls to the Veterans Crisis Line.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, contact the Veterans Crisis Line to receive free, confidential support and crisis intervention available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Dial 988 then press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255.

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

The post VA to award $52.5 million in grants to local organizations working to prevent Veteran suicide appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.