Welcome to PERU's November 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.

Visit Our Program Profile on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Website

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the Program’s primary funder and responsible for ensuring that the Program implements and evaluates a comprehensive public health approach to suicide prevention. This article provides information about the CDC’s Comprehensive Suicide Prevention program and where individuals and organizations can access information about the programs they fund throughout the United States.

Read time: 3 minutes

Not a Hero and Not a Stranger: Serving Veterans in Higher Education

In this article, Jay Breneman, Ph.D., speaks of his eight years serving in the US Army and the reintegration challenges faced as a non-traditional college student. These experiences led him to pursue a career in social work and higher education, with a primary emphasis on Veteran services.

Read time: 7 minutes

Public Perceptions of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention

Visit our website to review the findings of the 2022 Public Perceptions of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention survey. We encourage everyone to share this information with their personal and professional networks.

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 Empowerment Workshop

November 20, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Free

Hosted by Women Veterans Empowered & Thriving, a 501c3 all volunteer nonprofit organization. Any and all women Veterans are welcome to this online workshop regardless of discharge status or time in service.

In-Person QPR Training, Waterford, PA

December 7, 7:00 pm - 8:30 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 will be held in-person at the Ft. LeBeouf American Legion Post 285, 120 W. 4th Street, Waterford, PA.

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.