Grant funding will strengthen community-based suicide prevention and intervention
through screenings, peer support, clinical referrals, and family education.
St. Petersburg, Fla. | VOA Florida has been awarded funding through the U.S. Department
of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program
(SSG Fox SPGP) to expand suicide prevention and intervention services for eligible
Veterans and their families in Alachua, Levy, Bradford, Gilchrist, Lafayette, and Union
counties.
Through the SSG-Fox Suicide Prevention Program, VOA Florida will help eligible Veterans
access resources and services designed to address suicide risk, encourage connection,
and promote mental well-being. Services include baseline mental health screenings,
clinical service referrals, moral injury groups, peer support services, and education on
suicide risk and prevention for families and communities.
“Every Veteran deserves to feel valued, connected, and supported in their journey toward
well-being. Through the SSG-Fox Suicide Prevention Program, we are strengthening our
commitment to helping Veterans and their families access meaningful resources,
compassionate services, and connections that can make a lasting difference,” said Janet
Stringfellow, President and CEO of VOA Florida.
VOA Florida has a longstanding commitment to serving Veterans, including those
experiencing homelessness or facing other barriers to stability. Through housing,
behavioral health resources, supportive services, and community partnerships, the
organization works to help Veterans access resources that promote independence and
improve quality of life.
The SSG Fox SPGP supports community-based suicide prevention efforts as part of the
VA’s broader approach to Veteran suicide prevention. By helping eligible Veterans connect
with services, support networks, and appropriate care, the program aims to strengthen
community connections and expand access to assistance.
To be considered for the SSG-Fox Suicide Prevention Program, individuals must meet the
program’s eligibility requirements, which include qualifying Veteran or military service,
completion of a baseline screening, and screening results that meet the program’s
established suicide-risk criteria using an approved VA screening tool.
Veterans and families interested in learning more about the SSG-Fox Suicide Prevention
Program can contact David Mate at (904) 405-1055 or dmate@voa-fla.org.
To learn more about VOA Florida, visit voaflorida.org. For additional information about the
VA’s Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, visit
https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/ssgfox-grants/.
About VOA Florida
VOA Florida is a faith-based nonprofit human service organization dedicated to helping
Floridians achieve stability, independence, and greater well-being. Through affordable
housing, behavioral health care, and supportive services, VOA Florida serves Veterans,
families with children, individuals living with mental illness, and vulnerable seniors
throughout Florida. The organization works alongside community partners to provide
compassionate, personalized services that help people build brighter futures.
Veteran Crisis Resources
If you or a Veteran you know is experiencing a crisis, the Veterans Crisis Line offers free,
confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Call: 988, then press 1
- Text: 838255
- Chat: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/chat
- For an immediate emergency: Call 911
Media Contact:
Stephanie Vranich
Vice President of Development & Outreach
VOA Florida
svranich@voa-fla.org
(727) 369-8475