Welcome to PERU's April newsletter for the Northwest Pennsylvania (NW PA) Veteran Suicide Prevention Program. We look forward to updating you every month with program news, training events, community outreach activities, and evidence-based best practices for reducing suicidality and increasing social connectedness and resilience among Veterans.

We encourage you to connect with us through Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter and share the news of this program with colleagues, friends, and relevant community organizations. Your participation is greatly appreciated.

Mercer VSU Welcomes QPR Training

We’d like to share an article about our QPR training that recently appeared on the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections news blog. The training event was conducted by Marine Corps Veteran Lee Wagner, who is a member of the program implementation staff.

Read time: 4 minutes

Military Sexual Trauma Proclamation Issued by Governor Shapiro

On March 28th, 2023, Governor Shapiro signed a proclamation declaring April 2023 Military Sexual Trauma Awareness Month. It coincides with the national observance of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month and aims to raise awareness and to promote and educate the public about support services available across Pennsylvania's communities.

Read time: 3 minutes

Two Programs, One Mission for Veterans’ Caregivers

Visit our website to learn more about the VA's Caregiver Support Program and the Program of General Caregiver Support Services and how they promote the health, well-being, and resiliency of Veterans and their caregivers.

Read time: 3 minutes

We accept relevant contributions for our events calendar and news blog. Members may also share program-related training, events, and activities on our Facebook and LinkedIn groups.

Spring Gardening for Health and Wellness

April 15, 2023 from 2 - 3 pm

Blasco Library, 160 East Front Street, Erie, PA

Learn how to plan and start a garden to provide healthy food to supplement your grocery budget. Military Veterans and the general public are invited to this free event. Hosted by Penn State Extension Master Gardeners and the NW PA Veteran Suicide Prevention Program. There will be dirt!

Crisis in a Post-Pandemic World

April 26–27, 2023

The Crisis Intervention Association of Pennsylvania

Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Champion, PA

Crisis workers, first responders, law enforcement and service-related providers are charged with returning those exposed to trauma back to a new normal, and this often takes a great toll on those responding. Attend the conference to identify crisis intervention strategies for working with specific populations; discuss methods and techniques that crisis workers can use in assessing and responding to crisis situations; and develop an understanding of the frustrations of those struggling to overcome the effects of mental health stigma.

Cooking for Your Mind: Nutrition and Mental Health for Women Veterans

April 29, 2023 from 10 am - 1 pm

Adagio Health New Castle, 200 South Jefferson Street, New Castle, PA

Learn from registered dietitians and a licensed therapist about ways to support mental health and overall well-being, including cooking demonstrations with recipes and take-home bags of fresh food. Lunch and child care will be provided. Sponsored by Adagio Health in collaboration with the NW PA Veteran Suicide Prevention Program.

SCOPE First Responders Training

Ongoing

Free

The University of Pittsburgh’s Strategies to Coordinate Overdose Prevention Efforts (SCOPE) Statewide project provides continuing education for first responders on the topics of substance use disorder 101, recovery-oriented systems of care, naloxone administration and leave behind, and understanding the barriers created by stigma and bias. Upcoming training dates and registration are available online. Email SCOPE@pitt.edu for more information.

Fully funded by the CDC, this program aims to reduce Veteran suicide attempts, injuries, and deaths by 10% (on average) over five years in the fifteen counties of Northwestern Pennsylvania. By improving access to treatment and support services, we will increase awareness of Veteran suicide risk through suicide prevention community activities and training opportunities.

Our Vision: The work of the Northwest Pennsylvania Veteran Suicide Prevention Program will result in resident Veteran suicides being reduced to zero by the end of the project period (August 31, 2025).

Whether you identify as a healthcare provider, community organization, or Veteran, there are several opportunities through the NW PA Veteran Suicide Prevention Program to connect to resources, participate in educational training, and promote harm reduction strategies for at-risk Veterans.

We are actively recruiting healthcare and community partners to work with us in meeting our goals and objectives. Help us:

• Create community-based programs and services that foster supportive environments, promote social belonging and community connections, and offer effective coping and resilience-building strategies.
• Deliver healthcare-related programs and services that identify and support people at-risk and strengthen access to and delivery of care.
• Reduce misuse of firearms and prevent suicide by firearms.
• Offer suicide awareness training for community members and Veterans.
• Provide activities that promote Veteran culture and connection within communities.

The list above represents a sample of all available opportunities. Please contact us to connect with a program specialist and learn more.

To learn more, and meet our program implementation team, visit the NW PA Veteran Suicide Prevention website at theresilientveteran.org.

Need Help? Know Someone Who Does? Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or use the online Lifeline Crisis Chat. Both are free and confidential. You'll be connected to a skilled, trained counselor in your area.