(BOSTON – 5/22/2023) The Executive Office of Veterans Services (EOVS) last week announced the 15 recipients of funding through the Veterans Community Initiative (VCI) Grant program, one of which is Worcester-based Veterans Inc. This $356,170 grant was awarded to support the organization’s mobile outreach centers, programs which advance Veteran suicide prevention efforts in Central and Western Massachusetts.

The VCI grant program is awarding $2 million in funding to organizations across the Commonwealth this year. Following recommendations from the Veterans Reintegration Advisory Committee (VRAC) report, this funding will broadly support informal and formal peer support efforts as well as fund innovative programming to address suicide prevention in the Veteran and servicemember community in Massachusetts.

“Veterans are at a significantly higher risk of suicide compared to the general population, and those who have served have unique needs when it comes to prevention,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “Veterans Inc. has served those who have served us for over 20 years and know what it takes to bring comprehensive and high-quality mental health services to Veterans who need them. I am thrilled the Healey Administration and Secretary Jon Santiago have selected this organization to receive funding for mobile suicide prevention outreach centers – these dollars will save countless lives in Worcester and throughout Central Massachusetts.”

“This funding for mobile suicide prevention outreach is a step in the right direction in supporting our veterans,” said Senator Robyn Kennedy (D-Worcester). “Organizations like Veteran’s Inc are doing critical work each day to address the unique needs of our veterans. Continuing to keep mental health on the forefront of conversations and funding innovative strategies to address this crisis will continue to save lives.”

“I am happy to see Veterans Inc. receive this crucial funding for our communities’ veterans. Veterans Inc.’s work is essential to ensure that our Veterans are getting the care, services, and resources that they need to thrive when they come home,” said Senator Peter Durant (R-Spencer).

“Veterans Inc. wholeheartedly thanks Governor Healey and Secretary Santiago for recognizing the critical importance of behavioral health care for veterans in all of our Massachusetts communities, but particularly those in rural areas which lack access to desperately needed community assistance resources. There is no better day than today to extend life-saving suicide prevention resources to those who have courageously raised their hand in defense of our nation,” said Lt. Col. Vincent J. Perrone, President & CEO, Veterans Inc. “Thanks to Governor Healey, Secretary Santiago, and our elected officials who advocate for our veterans, Massachusetts is, and will continue to be, the greatest state in the nation in which to be a veteran.”

The Veterans Reintegration Advisory Committee (VRAC), established through a legislative mandate, consists of private and nonprofit stakeholders addressing Veterans' mental health and suicide. In January 2024, VRAC released the report, “An Examination of Suicide Among Veterans and Their Reintegration into Society,” outlining a framework to reduce veteran suicide.

The committee found that in Massachusetts, 1 in 9 suicides involved current or former military personnel, often impacted by mental health or substance use disorders, and more likely to attempt suicide by lethal means. Key strategies include systematic data collection, rapid access to treatment, investment in peer services, and comprehensive training for healthcare providers in military culture and suicide prevention. These VCI grants aim to connect and support these efforts.

For more information about the Veterans Community Initiative (VCI) Grant and the projects it supports, please contact (857)-303-6051.

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