A Milestone in Veteran Suicide Prevention
Recently, the Arizona Coalition for Military Families (ACMF) reached a major milestone: 1,000 referrals through the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program (SSG Fox SPGP). Each referral represents a veteran receiving vital support to tackle issues including social isolation, housing instability, and health challenges.
Supported by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and administered in collaboration with the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services, this program reinforces Arizona’s commitment to ensuring every service member, veteran and their family has access to support services and community resources.
“Every referral represents a life touched and a step closer to ending the tragedy of suicide,” says Thomas Winkel, Director of the Arizona Coalition for Military Families. “We are gratified to see that our outreach efforts are resonating and that our military and veteran community know that in Arizona, we offer a safety net to support their unique needs.”
Key Programs Funded
Through the SSG Fox SPGP, the ACMF offers two programs at no cost to service members, veterans and their families:
- Coaching Into Connection works to combat loneliness and social isolation by linking program participants to social activities including recreation, events and hobbies that foster meaningful connection. Participants can even receive grants to help fund activities.
- Care Transition provides case management services, resource navigation and support to service members and veterans undergoing hospitalization, or managing housing instability, justice involvement, mental health, or substance use challenges.
Successes
These stories represent just a glimpse of the lives touched and the needs addressed by the program. These successes are made possible through a robust collaboration with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services, and countless community organizations. It’s a collective effort, ensuring that Arizona’s service members, veterans and their families have the comprehensive care and support they deserve to not only address the most immediate needs but to lay a foundation for long-term well-being.
A WWII Veteran Finds Companionship
A World War II veteran was seeking social engagement and simply wanted someone to talk to in person. Once he was introduced to in-person visits, he found the face-to-face support deeply comforting. He told program staff, “This is exactly what I wanted and needed.” His spouse also noted a marked improvement in his overall mental health.
Restoring ndependence
A veteran experiencing hip pain and limited mobility used a walker and felt isolated at home. Through coordinated efforts with community partners, the veteran received a scooter at no cost, along with a trailer hitch and carrier for safe transport. This simple yet life-changing support allowed the veteran to attend public events again, dramatically reducing social isolation and boosting independence.
Finding A Renewed Purpose
A veteran was frustrated with his life situation, expressing hopelessness and that life no longer felt worth living. By connecting this veteran to critical resources, including meaningful social activities and transportation services, the program helped rekindle a sense of purpose. Now volunteering regularly at a local food bank, the veteran reports feeling “very optimistic about life.”
How to Access Support
If you or someone you know could benefit from these services, call the Be Connected support line at 866-4AZ-VETS (866-429-8387) or visit ConnectVeterans.org/ssgfoxspgp2 to learn more and nominate someone for assistance. Calls and referrals are confidential.
