Courtney, Blumenthal, Murphy Announce $462K for Easterseals to Support Veterans’ Mental Health and Suicide Prevention

NORWICH, CT - Today, Rep. Joe Courtney (D-CT), Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) announced over $462,000 for Easterseals Capital Region & Eastern Connecticut to support veterans' mental health and suicide prevention efforts. The federal funding is awarded through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program.

Rep. Courtney led a letter with Sens. Blumenthal and Murphy in April 2024 urging the VA to deliver these critical funds to Connecticut's Easterseals.

"Easterseals Veterans Rally Point is doing critical work to support the health and well-being of Connecticut's veterans. Since March of this year, my office has worked diligently to support Easterseals as its team put together an excellent, competitive proposal that allows them to continue providing exceptional lifesaving support. The grant awarded today is a testament to the great partnership between our offices and the outstanding services that President Robin Sharp, Director of Military Services Lori Marriott, and the entire Easterseals team delivers to our communities," Rep. Courtney said.

"Veterans are six times more likely to die by suicide than in combat - a shocking statistic and a call for action. This $462,000 in federal funding for Easterseals will provide Connecticut veterans with desperately needed, life-saving suicide prevention programs and services. I am proud to have advocated for this funding, and I will continue fighting for comprehensive mental health services and support for our veterans," Sen. Blumenthal said.

"Report after report shows that veterans are at an increased risk of suicide, and after all they've sacrificed for this country, it's our duty to make sure they get the support they need. Easterseals is a really important community organization in eastern Connecticut that helps ensure veterans, servicemembers, and their families can access mental health care. I was proud to work alongside Senator Blumenthal and Congressman Courtney to help them secure this funding from VA to support veterans who may be struggling and save lives," Sen. Murphy said.

"We at Easterseals Veterans Rally Point are extremely grateful to receive the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant. Bringing these funds to Connecticut residents who served our country is a critical step in assuring that our service members know that they are not alone. The work of the coalition partners that prepared this application and are at the ready to begin this work is remarkable, including representatives from the CT Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, the Tribal Health Council and SERAC. We also thank all of our Federal Representatives for adding their support. While the initial program will take place in Eastern CT, our goal is to build a model of outreach and connection that can be replicated throughout the state, making our Easterseals a leading suicide prevention resource, ultimately reducing the number of deaths by suicide among our service members," said Robin Sharp, President and CEO of Easterseals Capital Region & Eastern Connecticut."

Easterseals Capital Region & Eastern Connecticut is one of 85 organizations across 41 states to receive this award for the 2025 fiscal year. These grants are a part of VA's National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide and the Biden-Harris Administration's strategy to reduce military and Veteran suicide.