Welcome to PERU's May 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 Gatekeeper Training Outcomes

This article summarizes the mission of the NW PA Veteran Suicide Prevention Program and provides an update on our QPR gatekeeper training efforts and the outcomes experienced thus far.

Read time: 7 minutes

The Impact of Trauma-Informed Suicide Prevention Approaches

This article summarizes a research presentation by Lee Wagner, Senior Program Implementation Specialist, and explores the relationship between suicide and trauma exposure, trauma-informed therapeutic practices, and current research findings.

Read time: 5 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.

All Veterans Empowerment Workshop

May 25, 2023 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

ONLINE



Share resources, cultivate friendships, embrace camaraderie, creativity and community. Empower your truth and experiences. Always free of charge.

Why Use Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM) for Suicide Prevention? Part 1

June 6, 2023 12 noon - 1 pm

ONLINE / CEUs available

The oldest and most widely-used training on lethal means safety, CALM teaches why means matter and provides tools to intervene effectively with those at risk both upstream – before a crisis occurs – as well as in times of crisis.This Intro to CALM will be presented in two parts: Part 1: Why use CALM (1 hour) and Part 2: How to use CALM (1.5 hours) on June 20.

The 10th Annual PA Cares Training Summit

June 7, 2023 8:30 am - 12 noon

ONLINE

Designed to expand the knowledge base and skills of behavioral health providers who deliver services to active military members, Veterans, and their families.Targeted audiences include, but are not limited to, community mental health and substance abuse agencies, social workers, professional counselors, nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists, clergy/pastoral or spiritual practitioners, and the staff of PA Veteran Centers.

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.