Welcome to PERU's October 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.

Justice Involved Veterans Recidivism and The Impact of Veteran Treatment Courts (VCTs)

This article summarizes a research presentation by Greg Griffith, Senior Program Implementation Specialist, and explores the origins of Veteran Treatment Courts (VTCs), benefits and limitations of VTCs, and recommendations for expanding the positive benefits of VTCs and overcoming some limitations.

Read time: 5 minutes

Breaking Bread With Heroes A Success!

On Saturday, September 17, the “Breaking Bread with Heroes” luncheon was held at the Fort LeBoeuf American Legion Post 285 in Waterford, PA. The event received media coverage from Jet 24 Action News and featured a menu designed and prepared by celebrity chef Robert Irvine and U.S. Marine Veteran and chef Shane Cash. Army Veteran and keynote speaker Stephanie Mitchell discussed her experience as a combat medic in Iraq and her current work with the Erie Veterans Center.

Read time: 3 minutes

Veteran Discharge Characterization: Suicide Attempts and Homelessness

This article summarizes a research presentation by Lee Wagner, Senior Program Implementation Specialist, and explores the following topics: What is meant by a “bad paper” discharge? Results of surveys as they pertain to suicide and homelessness, and the connection between homelessness and suicide are explored.

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.

New Dates for 2022! QPR + CALM Training

Free

October 17, 2022 from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

October 26, 2022 from 10:00 am - 1:30 pm

October 31, 2022 from 12:00 pm - 3:30 pm

November 7, 2022 from 9:00 am - 12:30 pm

December 9, 2022 from 9:00 am - 12:30 pm

December 19, 2022 from 12:00 pm - 3:30 pm

QPR is a two-hour educational program designed to teach professionals as well as lay “gatekeepers” the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to respond. A gatekeeper is someone in a position to recognize a crisis and warning signs that someone may be at risk of suicide.

These dates also offer a 1-hour Counseling on Access to Lethal Means Training (CALM) directly after the QPR session. Participants can opt-in to one or both trainings. Register online or contact us with questions.

Veterans’ Discussion at Passavant Community

November 11, 2022 from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Free

Join us for a Veterans’ discussion at Passavant Community, 105 Burgess Dr, Zelienople, PA. Enjoy light refreshments and take part in a discussion about the impact of moral injury on Veterans. Featuring Marine Corps Veteran Lee Wagner. Topics include creating awareness on Veterans’ issues highlighting supportive environments to encourage social connectedness. Please RSVP by Friday, November 9th by calling 724-452-3456 or email Brian.Damaska@lutheranseniorlife.org.

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 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.