Welcome to PERU's January 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.

Free Emergency Health Care for Veterans in Suicidal Crisis

The PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) is an active partner and responsible for ensuring that the Program integrates current Veteran suicide prevention initiatives throughout the state of Pennsylvania. The following press release announcing changes in emergency healthcare for Veterans in suicidal crisis can be shared throughout the state (and beyond).

Read time: 3 minutes

Equine Event for Veterans and Families

Storm Harbor Equestrian Center is partnering with us to offer an equine event for Veterans and families on Saturday, January 28. While the event has reached its capacity for participation, those interested in hosting or attending future events should reach out to us.

Read time: 2 minutes

Beyond PTSD: Iraq Veteran Confronts the Spiritual Toll of War

On November 16, 2022 a Veterans’ Discussion community event was held at Passavant Community in Zelienople, PA, highlighting supportive environments for Veterans to encourage social connectedness.The event received positive media coverage from The Butler Eagle.

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

January 25, 11:00 am - 2:00 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.

PAUSE Community Circle

February 11,

8:00 AM – 9:30 AM EST

2:00 PM – 3:30 PM EST

8:00 PM – 9:30 PM EST

Free

PAUSE (People Addressing and Understanding Suicide Experiences) is a global movement grounded in compassion, social and economic justice, and health equity for all, valuing lived experiences with suicide. Each 90-minute session provides individuals opportunities to share their experiences and ideas, while listening to and learning from each other.

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.