SANTA ROSA, Calif. – Veteran suicide rates in California are a growing concern, with 570 veteran lives lost in 2024 alone. In response, Nation’s Finest, a Santa Rosa-based nonprofit, has been awarded a grant from the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) to enhance mental health services for veterans in the state.
The grant is part of CalVet’s California Veterans Health Initiative (CVHI) Mental Health Support program. It aims to assist veterans who encounter obstacles in accessing mental health care. The funding comes at a crucial time, aligning with National Suicide Prevention Week, which runs from September 7 to 13.
“The start of services for this grant was a pivotal moment,” said Chris Flaherty, CEO of Nation’s Finest. “We cannot think of a better opportunity to expand our reach and help veterans realize their full potential. This mission is personal for me, as a veteran who once faced a mental health crisis, I know firsthand how life-changing timely intervention can be.”
The CVHI program focuses on addressing mental health disparities among veterans and their families, particularly those facing geographic, cultural, or social barriers. With the grant, Nation’s Finest has expanded its outreach in the North Valley region of California…