H.R. 1969: No Wrong Door for Veterans Act

The No Wrong Door for Veterans Act is a proposed piece of legislation aimed at improving mental health support and suicide prevention services for veterans. Here are the key components of the bill summarized in layman's terms:

Amendments to Existing Grant Program

- The bill seeks to amend and reauthorize the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).- Specifically, it changes the structure of how grants are organized and administered.

Funding Changes

- The previous maximum amount of $750,000 per grantee per fiscal year is revised to a new structure. Under the new bill, each grantee will receive $500,000 annually, plus an additional $10,000 for each eligible individual they assist with suicide prevention services. However, no more than 5% of the total funds can be spent on food and non-alcoholic beverages.

Grant Distribution Rules

- The bill states that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs cannot give preference to grant applicants only based on their previous receipt of funding. This is intended to encourage new applicants and diversify the distribution of funds.

Reapplication for Previous Grantees

- Organizations that have previously received grants will need to demonstrate that they effectively used those funds to help a significant number of veterans when applying again.

Improved Coordination

- The Secretary of Veterans Affairs is required to provide briefings to personnel at local VA medical centers (VAMCs) near the grantee's location at least quarterly. This aims to enhance communication and cooperation between grant recipients and VA medical staff.

Program Duration

- The authorization period for the grant program will be extended until September 30, 2028.

Emergency Care Notification

- Grantees will be required to inform individuals receiving suicide prevention services about their eligibility for emergency suicide care under existing laws.

Funding Reauthorization

- The bill outlines specific funding amounts to be allocated for various fiscal years: - A total of $174,000,000 is allocated for the years 2021 through 2025. - For the years 2026 through 2028, a total of $157,500,000 is proposed.

Eligible Entities for Grants

- The criteria for organizations eligible to apply for these grants are clarified to include those that have continuously provided mental health care or support services in the U.S. for at least two years prior to their application.

Definitions Clarification

- The bill makes a technical correction in the definitions used within the program, specifying the term 'emergency treatment' to refer to medical services.

Screening Protocols

- Grantees will be required to use a screening protocol for assessing risk that is selected by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. This is intended to standardize the approach to mental health screenings.

Conclusion of Summary

- Overall, the No Wrong Door for Veterans Act aims to enhance mental health support for veterans by restructuring grant allocations, enhancing accountability, improving coordination with local VA facilities, and ensuring timely notification of emergency care options for veterans.

Relevant Companies

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