The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it will award over $4.3 million in cooperative agreements to states and territories. These funds aim to support suicide mortality review committees, which seek to understand and prevent Veteran suicide by identifying and analyzing local suicide deaths.

This year's cooperative agreements will benefit 10 states and two territories. The initiative focuses on understanding Veteran suicide at a local level, identifying specific populations or areas of concern, and developing data-driven prevention strategies. This effort aligns with the VA’s National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide, the Biden-Harris Administration’s strategy to reduce military and Veteran suicide, and the recently published National Strategy for Suicide Prevention Federal Action Plan.

“It is our responsibility to be at the forefront of researching the drivers of Veteran suicide, all with the goal of ensuring no Veteran is lost to suicide,” said Under Secretary for Health Shereef Elnahal, M.D. “We are working with our intergovernmental partners to establish suicide mortality review committees, which will tailor our efforts to the unique and diverse needs of all Veterans.”

These agreements also advance President Biden’s Unity Agenda for the nation. They form part of VA's broader efforts to prevent Veteran suicide and contribute to initiatives like the Governor’s and Mayor’s Challenges to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families—a collaboration between VA and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration aimed at creating enhanced prevention action plans across 50 states and five U.S. territories.

Additionally, this month VA awarded another $52.5 million in grants to community organizations implementing tailored programs for Veterans' mental health needs. A new webpage has also been launched by VA with resources for those affected by suicide loss.

VA plans to award up to an additional $10 million through the Suicide Mortality Review Cooperative Agreements program in FY 2025.

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