Welcome to PERU's December 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.

Firearms Safety Podcast, "Let's Talk About Your Guns" Launched by USU Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress

How can we have open-minded talks about guns and safety? A new podcast, launched by the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress (CSTS), hopes to address this question. Through a series of interviews and stories, the podcast, “Let’s Talk About Your Guns,” offers practical and non-judgmental ways to talk about safe storage of firearms in tough situations.

Read time: 3 minutes

Person First: Phillip Allan and Project Healing Waters

In this interview, former Army medic and Air Force civil engineer Phillip Allan speaks about his struggles with reintegration into civilian life and how Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing provided the support and community he needed to regain his health and well-being.

Read time: 5 minutes

Transition Assistance Programs' (TAP) Relationship with Post-Military Separation Outcomes

This article summarizes the research article Post-Separation Transition Assistance Program (TAP) Assessment (PSTAP): 2019 Cross-Sectional Report U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as presented by graduate student assistant Samantha Hernandez.The following topics are explored: Veterans’ experiences with TAP, Veterans’ benefits usage, challenges facing Veterans during transition, employment outcomes, and Veterans’ satisfaction with life.

Read time: 4 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.

QPR Training + CALM Training

December 19, 12:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Free

QPR is an educational program designed to teach professionals as well as lay “gatekeepers” the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to respond. This session also offers a 1-hour Counseling on Access to Lethal Means Training (CALM) directly after the QPR session. You can opt-in to one or both trainings.

How States and Communities Can Better Support Military and Veteran Caregivers

January 12, 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Free

Sponsored by the SAMHSA/SMVF TA Center, this learning community provides participants with a small group and interactive setting. The objectives are to (1) Discover a framework for supporting military and Veteran caregivers, (2) Examine how both paid and informal caregivers can be recognized and valued in the continuum of care, and (3) Identify resources available that are specifically tailored for military and Veteran caregivers.

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.