Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Secures $600,000 Grant to Develop Suicide Mortality Review Programs in York, Westmoreland Counties

Annville, PA - Annville, PA - The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) has secured a $600,000 cooperative agreement grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to help develop Suicide Mortality Review (SMR) programs in two pilot counties, York and Westmoreland. Pennsylvania is one of only 10 states and two territories to receive this grant.

Military veterans are 1.5 times more likely to die by suicide than Americans who never served in the military. For female veterans, the risk factor is 2.2 times more likely.

Suicide Mortality Review programs are conducted by county committees, which access multiple sources of clinical and non-clinical information that provide a deeper understanding of the circumstances surrounding a death. These committees then develop recommendations for action to prevent similar deaths among veterans in the future.

"Receiving this grant is a credit to the great work Pennsylvania has been doing to raise awareness about suicide among service members, veterans and their families," said Brig. Gen. John Pippy, acting adjutant general and head of the DMVA. "Prior to DMVA being awarded the grant, Westmoreland and York counties stepped forward and volunteered to work with us on establishing Suicide Mortality Review Programs. Now, we can assist them in their valiant effort to reduce veteran suicides."

The cooperative agreements are part of a broader SMR program within the VA/SAMHSA Governor's Challenge to Prevent Suicide among Service Members, Veterans and their Families (SMVF). The DMVA is Pennsylvania's lead on the Governor's Challenge which includes 55 states and territories. Participants work to implement state-wide suicide prevention best practices and learn from stakeholders nationwide.

"The York County Coroner's Office and our non-profit partners are honored to be chosen to work with the DMVA and the Governor's Challenge as we work together to prevent suicide in our communities," said Pam Gay, York County coroner. "We are seeking to expand on the good work that already exists as well as implementing some proven and effective best practices in reducing suicide among the SMVF population here in York County. This funding will enable us to save additional lives in the process."

"The Westmoreland County Coroner's Office is proud to partner with the DMVA and Governor's Challenge as we look to reduce the suicide numbers among our service members and our veterans," said Tim Carson, Westmoreland County coroner. "My goal since becoming coroner in 2022 was to get directly involved with The Ray of Hope and assist families that have lost a loved one due to suicide. This grant is going to allow us to expand our efforts and help the people of Westmoreland County."

To learn more about the DMVA, visit us online at www.dmva.pa.govOpens In A New Window or follow us at www.facebook.com/padmvaOpens In A New Window or www.twitter.com/padmvaOpens In A New Window.

MEDIA CONTACT: Joseph Butera -

# # #

​

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.