Catholic Charities receives $750,000 VA grant to help reduce suicide risk among local Veterans

Catholic Charities receives $750,000 VA grant to help reduce suicide risk among local Veterans 

KANSAS CITY, MO, October 16, 2026 (Press Release) — Despite persistent myths, suicide isn’t just caused by mental health issues. When someone takes their own life, it’s often the result of many factors, including lack of community support, insufficient access to health care resources, or financial, relationship, housing, or legal issues. 

Because suicide is so complex, it takes a wide range of resources and programs to keep Veterans healthy and safe. With grant funding from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and a goal to lower local Veterans’ suicide risk, Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph (CCKCSJ) has launched community-based suicide prevention services for Veterans and their families across 30 counties in Missouri and Kansas. Including proactive outreach, trauma-informed suicide-risk screening, education, case management, peer support, and safety planning. 

"We are excited to begin a new program dedicated to supporting Veterans and their families by strengthening well-being, connection, and hope,” said Edna Christian, director of Veteran services. “Through community-based support and connections to helpful resources, the program will encourage positive steps toward stability and a stronger future. We look forward to serving those who have served our country and walking alongside their families as they build healthier, more hopeful lives.” 

The initiative is funded by VA’s Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program (SSG Fox SPGP), which provides funding to community-based organizations serving Veterans with both evidence-informed and innovative approaches to preventing Veteran suicide. 

CCKCSJ received $750,000 from VA to support its efforts to help local Veterans. The program will also provide warm connections to VA and community clinical services, help participants access VA and public benefits, and link Veterans to housing, transportation, food, employment, and other stabilizing resources that reduce isolation and suicide risk. 

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For more information about CCKCSJ, visit catholiccharities-kcsj.org/. For more information about the SSG Fox SPGP, visit MentalHealth.VA.gov/ssgfox-grants. 

If you’re a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, contact the Veterans Crisis Line to receive 24/7, confidential support. You don’t have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect. To reach responders, Dial 988 then Press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255.