Welcome to PERU's monthly 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.

Suicide Prevention Safety Planning

This article summarizes a recent research presentation by Pete Albert, MSN, RN, and SP Program Manager, VISN 4, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It explores the following topics: What is a safety plan? How do you develop a safety plan? and What are some tips for safety plan success? A pdf of the full presentation, including sources and resources, is available for download.

Read time: 5 minutes

Veterans and Former Service Members Served by Suicide Prevention Care

This recent news release from VA explains the outcomes experienced by Veterans and their families seeking assistance during an acute suicidal crisis since VA’s new policy was enacted last year.

Read time: 5 minutes

Helping Military Caregivers Overcome Loneliness

Community Building Art Works is a Veteran service organization that builds healthy and connected communities through free online workshops led by professional artists. Veterans and caregivers share creative expression, mutual understanding, and support.

Read time: 2 minute

Take Our Suicide Awareness Survey

We are collecting information about beliefs, attitudes, and experiences involving suicide and mental health issues. You are encouraged to take the survey and share it within your personal and professional networks.

Read time: 1 minute

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.

Research Study: Veterans Experiences of Abortion

The University of Pittsburgh’s Pitt + Me Discovery research hub recently shared a paid research opportunity for women Veterans who were enrolled in VA healthcare when seeking or having an abortion. This research is not affiliated with the Northwest Pennsylvania Veteran Suicide Prevention Program but may be of interest to Veterans within our communities.

Integrating Trauma-Informed Care Into Suicide Response (ITIC) Training

Friday, May 10, from 1:00-2:00 PM

ITIC is a one-hour virtual training designed for those who work with people at risk for suicide, such as health care providers and social service professionals.

The curriculum covers the role of trauma in suicide risk, the SAMHSA principles of trauma-informed care, as well as specific trauma-informed strategies to utilize with survivors of suicide. Trainings are open to anyone and will be delivered via Zoom. Register at: https://tinyurl.com/4p6kamf7

Spring QPR + CALM Training Dates

QPR is a two-hour educational program designed to teach professionals as well as lay “gatekeepers” the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to respond. All dates also offer a 1-hour Counseling on Access to Lethal Means Training (CALM) directly after the QPR sessions. You can opt-in to one or both trainings. No cost.

New Training Opportunities Available

Visit our website to learn about our newly expanded menu of training classes. In-person and online offerings include:

• QPR (Question. Persuade. Refer.)
• CALM (Counseling on Access to Lethal Means)
• Applied Suicide Interventional Skills Training (ASIST) *In-Person Only
• Introduction to Military Culture
• Overview of Moral Injury (MI)
• An Epidemic in Our Ranks: Military Sexual Trauma (MST)

Please share with your personal and professional networks throughout the region. Contact us to set up training for your organization, association, or business.

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.