Central ND News

The Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee conducted a session in Washington, D.C., focusing on enhancing outreach to bolster the mental health support available to veterans across the United States.

During this hearing, Senator Kevin Cramer from North Dakota questioned Dr. Thomas O’Toole, who is Acting Assistant Under Secretary of Health for Clinical Services at the Veterans Health Administration, regarding the Veterans Affairs Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program (SSG Fox SPGP). Senator Cramer also inquired about the legislation he co-introduced, known as the Every State Counts for Veterans Mental Health Act.

Senators Cramer and Chris Coons from Delaware introduced the bipartisan bill earlier this month. The proposed legislation seeks to prioritize consideration for SSG Fox SPGP applications from states that have never received grants before. Currently, this affects states like North Dakota and Delaware, as they, along with other entities in these regions, have not been awarded funding.

SSG Fox SPGP is essential for reaching out proactively to veterans within their communities before any mental health crisis occurs. Despite supporting the program’s intent, Senator Cramer expressed concerns about the current funding allocation, which may overlook many veterans.

"Neither North Dakota nor Delaware received any of the funds, despite a very, very good application," noted Senator Cramer, specifically referencing the North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs’ application.

Cramer also highlighted that other qualified entities might not receive selections under the current system of the SSG Fox SPGP and proposed a one-time adjustment via his legislation.

“[The Every State Counts for Veterans Mental Health Act] recognizes that a couple of states didn't receive funds from the program, and we want to prioritize states that haven't received funds previously,” explained Cramer. He further emphasized the importance of reaching veterans in large, rural states like North Dakota, where 55,000 veterans could benefit from these services.

Addressing objections from the VA about his legislation, Cramer stressed the importance of considering entire states, regardless of their population size. "I think when it comes to an entire state, regardless of the small population, is after all why there are two senators from every one of them," he stated.

Dr. O’Toole conveyed the department’s interest in collaborating with the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee to address potential program modifications.