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 Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter and share the news of this program with colleagues, friends, and relevant community organizations. Your participation is greatly appreciated.

QPR + CALM Training Sessions for Summer 2023

Sign up and spread the word about our July QPR Gatekeeper (Question. Persuade. Refer.) and CALM (Counseling on Access to Lethal Means) training opportunities. All session are free and delivered online.

Read time: 2 minutes

Suicide Prevention: How to Bring Up the Tough Questions

In this article by Matthew Miller, Executive Director of the VA Suicide Prevention Program, you'll learn about recognizing the signs of crisis and how to start a conversation about suicide.

Read time: 5 minutes

Suicide Prevention and LGBTQ+ Veterans

Learn about the barriers to care experienced by LGBTQ+ Veterans and how these barriers increase suicide risk and suicide attempts. Resources and strategies to reduce barriers are included.

Read time: 5 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.

Register for ASIST

7/25/23 – 7/26/23

*This is a 2-day training. Participants must attend both days.

8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Erie Center for Arts & Technology, 650 East Ave Suite 120, Erie, PA

Only a few seats left! Register for Presented by the NW PA Veterans Suicide Prevention Program and UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) brings prevention knowledge and skills to the next level. No cost. Free CEUs available.

To register, contact Patti Tanner at pag109@pitt.edu or 878-208-8186.

Lake Erie Fishing Trip for Women Veterans

July 22, 2023, 3 pm

Join us for a Lake Erie fishing trip for women Veterans. All equipment and bait provided. Visit our website to learn more and register. Don't delay because seats are limited!

New Training Opportunities Now Available

Visit our website to learn about our newly expanded menu of training classes.In-person and online offerings include:

• QPR (Question. Persuade. Refer.)
• CALM (Counseling on Access to Lethal Means)
• Applied Suicide Interventional Skills Training (ASIST) *In-Person Only
• Introduction to Military Culture
• Overview of Moral Injury (MI)
• An Epidemic in Our Ranks: Military Sexual Trauma (MST)

Please share with your personal and professional networks throughout the region. Contact us to set up a training for your organization, association, or business.

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.