Welcome to PERU's August 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 our Facebook and LinkedIn groups and share the news of this program with colleagues, friends, and relevant community organizations. Your participation is greatly appreciated.

Understanding Mental Health Parity

Thousands of Veterans in our commonwealth and their family members have a mental illness or substance use disorder. This article, and corresponding flyer, summarizes research conducted by Samantha Hernandez of our program team and explores Federal Parity Law, Pennsylvania Act 106, health plans that are/are not required to follow Federal Parity Law, and how to take action.

Read time: 5 minutes

Bodhi Gardens Receives $250,000 from Erie’s American Rescue Plan

Veteran Mike Shannon and his nonprofit organization, Bodhi Gardens, recently received a substantial grant award to help implement small-scale indoor vegetable farming and horticultural therapy (HT) to help those experiencing mental health issues and food insecurity.

Read time: 5 minutes

Suicide Prevention Training in Traditional and Nontraditional Settings

This article includes some frequently asked questions about suicide prevention and delivering QPR (Question. Persuade. Refer.) and ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training). Compiled with the help of program implementation specialist Lee Wagner, we hope this information helps spread the word to potential healthcare sites, businesses, and community organizations that may be interested in collaborating with us.

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.

Breaking Bread with Heroes

Join us on Saturday, September 17 to raise awareness for suicide prevention and enjoy a meal from a menu designed by celebrity chef Robert Irvine! Happening at the Fort LeBoeuf American Legion Post 285, 120 West 4th Street in Waterford, PA from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM. Register online to reserve your seat! Volunteers are also needed before and during the event. If you have culinary skills and would like to donate a few hours of your time for food preparation with U.S. Marine Veteran and celebrity chef Shane Cash, please contact Patti Tanner at pag109@pitt.edu.

Hell or High Seas Screening & Panel Discussion

September 8, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

William Pitt Union

3959 5th Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA

Screening and panel discussion in recognition of Suicide Awareness Month. A moving portrait of a Veteran using his own painful journey with PTSD to find healing. FREE

Virtual and in-person viewing options.

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 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or use the online Lifeline Crisis Chat. Both are free and confidential. You'll be connected to a skilled, trained counselor in your area.