Oneida County awarded federal grant to combat against veteran suicide

Published on October 21, 2022

Veterans pic

UTICA- Oneida County has been awarded a $2.25 million federal grant to help prevent suicide among military veterans.

This development surfaces via an announcement from the County Executive, Anthony Picente Jr. “Suicide rates among our veterans are rising and they need our help,” Picente said.

“We must do all we can to support the brave men and women who have given so much to protect this nation and our freedoms. This funding will make a difference in their lives and in the lives of those who love them.”

The funding is issued for three years at $750,000 per year through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program (SSG Fox SPGP).

Oneida County has secured the first $750,000 and then applies for grant renewal the next two years. More than 240 agencies across the country applied for the grant and Oneida County was one of only 80 chosen.

The Oneida County Department of Mental Health will be coordinating the provision of suicide prevention services to eligible local veterans and their families.

For more details, be sure to visit Oneida County's website.