Welcome to PERU's July 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.

Benefits and Rights Book for Older Pennsylvanians

While the PA Department of Aging is not a partner for this Program, their information, services, and policies work in tandem with our stakeholders to support resiliency best practices and Veteran suicide reduction. The 2022 Benefits and Rights for Older Pennsylvanians is the commonwealth’s primary guide for information and resources serving older adults on the state and local levels. The free guide is a way to assist older Pennsylvanians so they can age in their home and community with appropriate services when needed.

Read time: 5 minutes

The PTSD Self-Screen Tool is Important Today and Every Day

The PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) is an active partner and is responsible for ensuring that the Program integrates current Veteran suicide prevention initiatives throughout Pennsylvania. The PTSD self-screen tool is designed to help anyone find out if their feelings or behaviors may be related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While only a trained provider can diagnose PTSD, this online tool offers helpful information and can be used when talking with a doctor or behavioral health professional.

Read time: 4 minutes

Reports and Newsletter Archive

Did you know that our monthly progress reports are publicly available? These brief documents provide a snapshot of the outreach activities we engage in every month and our progression in attaining our short- and long-term strategic goals. In addition, past issues of this monthly newsletter can be read and shared.

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.

QPR Training: Bob’s Gun Shop & Indoor Range

Sunday, August 14, 2022

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Registration Required

Pennsylvania suicide rates, especially in rural counties, are higher than the national average. QPR is a two–hour educational program designed to train people as “gatekeepers” about the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to respond. This training session will take place at Bob’s Gun Shop & Indoor Shooting Range in McKean, PA (Erie County).

Erie Clean Up Day!

Saturday, August 13, 2022

8:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Registration Required

In partnership with the Penn State Extension Master Watershed Stewards, we are hosting a cleanup on Ore Dock Road on Saturday August 13 at 8:30 am. Register before August 10 to get details on the location. Gloves and bags will be provided. Snacks and water will be available. There are opportunities for all comfort levels! Register today!

Save the Date for 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!

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 preventing 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.