Bill > S1139

This bill modifies and reauthorizes the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) through 2030. The key changes include increasing the maximum grant amount from $750,000 to $1,000,000, with the potential for an additional $500,000 per year based on performance metrics related to veteran intake for suicide prevention services. The bill mandates that no more than 30% of grant funds can be used for administrative costs and no more than 5% on food and beverages. It requires grant recipients to coordinate with local VA suicide prevention coordinators to ensure veterans are attending appointments and receiving continuous care. The bill also introduces new training requirements for VA employees, including instruction on using the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), a standardized suicide risk assessment tool. Additionally, the legislation ensures that if a veteran is not provided mental health services within 72 hours of referral, they will be eligible for emergent suicide care. The bill aims to improve suicide prevention efforts and support for veterans by enhancing coordination, increasing funding flexibility, and implementing more comprehensive screening and care protocols.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1139/all-info