Welcome to PERU's March 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.

Recent Changes in US Suicide Rates

Because of our program's focus, we want to share the CDC’s newly released report on changes in suicide rates by race and ethnicity for the United States in 2021. We encourage everyone to review this information, share it within personal and professional networks, and get involved in stigma-reduction and suicide prevention efforts in their communities.

Read time: 4 minutes

Storm Harbor Equestrian Event a Success

In late January, a Veterans and families equestrian event was held at Storm Harbor Equestrian Center in Slippery Rock, PA. Participants had the opportunity to learn basic riding skills, try their hand at snowshoeing and archery, interact with various farm animals in a friendly environment, and access health and wellness resources.You won't want to miss the photos! They highlight the joy and camaraderie experienced by all attendees.

Read time: 3 minutes

Access Monthly Progress Reports and Past Newsletters

Did you know that we make our monthly newsletters and progress reports publicly available? Visit our website to learn more about our outreach activities we engage in every month and our short-and long-term strategic plans.

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.

Women Veterans Conference

March 24–26, 2023

Pittsburgh, PA

Pittsburgh Marriott North, 100 Cranberry Woods Drive, Cranberry, PA

Agenda includes Veterans benefits and how to access proper health care and benefits for women; presentations by several women veterans’ advocacy groups; leadership seminars; a motivational speaker; networking and camaraderie and much more. All women veterans in Pennsylvania are welcome to attend.

Save the date! Crisis in a Post-Pandemic World

April 26–27, 2023

The Crisis Intervention Association of Pennsylvania

Seven Springs Mountain Resort

Champion, PA

Crisis workers, first responders, law enforcement and service-related providers are charged with returning those exposed to trauma back to a new normal, and this often takes a great toll on those responding. Attend the conference to identify crisis intervention strategies for working with specific populations; discuss methods and techniques that crisis workers can use in assessing and responding to crisis situations; and develop an understanding of the frustrations of those struggling to overcome the effects of mental health stigma.

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.