Welcome to PERU's February 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.

Why Personal Safety Plans Save Lives

A Personal Safety Plan is a tool that can be used by anyone to empower Veterans by helping them prepare for steps that can help avert a behavioral health crisis or suicidal thoughts. Through a series of discussions, a trusted caregiver, family member, or friend can help a Veteran create a plan that best meets their personal needs.

Read time: 3 minutes

Mental Health Considerations for Multi-Generational Military Families

This article summarizes a research presentation by Patti Tanner, Senior Program Implementation Specialist, and explores the term "Warrior Caste" in identifying the strongest predictor of military service, mental health implications for military youth, and mental health considerations for multi-generational military families.

Read time: 4 minutes

Person First: Josiah Fink and Equine Assisted Therapy

The “Person-First” series chronicles the lived experiences of Veterans committed to reducing suicide deaths of those who have served in the armed forces. In this article, Josiah Fink details his experiences with equine-assisted activities and the positive outcomes he’s witnessed.

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

Two Upcoming In-Person Events

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.

Tuesday, February 28 from 2-4 PM

American Legion Post 138

419 W. Main Street, Smethport, PA 16749

Visit our website to learn more and register.

Thursday, March 9 from 6-8 PM

Storm Harbor Equestrian Center

245 Harmony Road, Slippery Rock, PA 16057

Visit our website to learn more and register.

Calling All Veteran-Focused Community Organizations!

American Legion Millcreek Post 773

4109 West 12th Street

Erie, PA 16505

Free

Join The Nonprofit Partnership, Bodhi Garden Initiative and The University of Pittsburgh’s Program Evaluation and Research Unit (PERU) on Tuesday, March 7 at 12:00 PM at the American Legion for a sector-specific convening. Our goal is to bring Veteran-focused community groups and Veteran-specific programs together to network and learn more about one another; share information and resources; determine needs; and create a plan for next steps.

Register online to secure your spot.

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.