Every State Counts for Veterans Mental Health Act

This bill, called the Every State Counts for Veterans Mental Health Act, aims to spread VA suicide prevention funding more fairly across the country. It would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to give priority to applicants in states that have not yet received a VA suicide prevention grant. Applicants in those states would get a scoring boost until at least one grant is awarded there.

The goal is to help veterans in states that have been left out, so more communities can start or grow programs that prevent suicide among veterans.

• Who is affected: Veterans and their families; local groups and nonprofits that apply for VA suicide prevention grants, especially in states with no prior awards.
• What changes: The VA must prioritize and give a scoring preference to eligible applicants in those states until at least one grant is awarded in each state.
• When: The priority continues until every state has at least one funded grantee.