QPR + CALM Training
2024-03-13 08:30 - 11:30, 2024-03-27 14:00 - 17:00, 2024-04-05 14:00 - 17:00, 2024-04-18 12:00 - 15:00, 2024-05-14 10:00 - 13:00, 2024-05-24 09:00 - 12:00, 2024-06-04 13:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
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.
This date also offers a 1-hour Counseling on Access to Lethal Means Training (CALM) directly after the QPR sessions. You can opt-in to one or both trainings.
Pennsylvania suicide rates, especially in rural counties, are higher than the national average. 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 an individual who can recognize a crisis and the warning signs of someone possibly contemplating suicide. Anyone can become a gatekeeper: parents. friends, neighbors, teachers, athletic coaches, ministers, doctors, nurses, office supervisors, squad leaders, foremen, police officers, advisors, caseworkers, firefighters, etc. Gatekeepers come from all walks of life and do not require any prior training or education.
Click on the image to download. You can access the registration online. Please contact us if you experience challenges with registration.
We look forward to meeting you at an upcoming training session!

INTEGRATING TRAUMA INFORMED CARE INTO SUICIDE RESPONSE (ITIC)
2024-03-19 14:00 - 15:00
INTEGRATING TRAUMA INFORMED CARE INTO SUICIDE RESPONSE (ITIC)
Suicide Prevention Training
The Integrating Trauma Informed Care into Suicide Response course will describe the role of trauma in both risk for suicide behaviors and in coping with suicide loss. It is a one-hour virtual training primarily designed for those who work with people at risk for suicide, such as health care providers and social service professionals.
The curriculum covers the role of trauma in suicide risk, the SAMHSA principles of trauma informed care, as well as specific trauma informed strategies to utilize with survivors of suicide.
Trainings are open to anyone and will be delivered virtually, via Zoom.
Funded by the CDC’s Division of Injury Prevention
Call: 878-208-8186
Email: pag109@pitt.edu
SIGN-UP TODAY!
https://tinyurl.com/4p6kamf7
Upcoming ITIC Training Sessions:
• Tuesday, March 19th , 2024 from 2:00-3:00 PM
• Monday, April 15th , 2024 from 2:00-3:00 PM
• Friday, May 10th , 2024 from 1:00-2:00 PM

Mental Health Crisis Planning: How to Develop a Proactive Strategy
2024-03-27 19:00 - 20:30
Wednesday, March 27, 2024, from 7:00 to 8:30 pm ET
Register Now
Caregivers often find themselves hoping for the best, while preparing for the worst. When your loved one is facing a mental health crisis, they may not be able to communicate their preferences for care. For caregivers to be effective, they need to have the right resources and support. This is when having a crisis plan – which may include a Psychiatric Advance Directive (PAD) – becomes crucial.
In this webinar offered by Families for Depression Awareness, you will hear firsthand experiences of people with mental health challenges who used a Psychiatric Advance Directive to support their journey in recovery.
You will learn about the key components of a crisis plan and practical strategies for caregiver involvement in the crisis planning process. Join us for this informative webinar and gain the knowledge and tools you need to navigate mental health crises with confidence.

Preventing Substance Use Disorders Among Military Youth
2024-03-28 14:00 - 15:30
Risk and Protective Factors Unique to Military Youth
Date: March 28, 2024Time: 2:00–3:30 p.m. ET
Learning Objectives

Understand potential risk and protective factors for substance use among military-affiliated youth
Identify national resources that are available to mitigate substance use risk among military-affiliated youth
Illustrate the importance of a trauma-informed approach in responding to the needs of military-affiliated youth

Presenter

Gregory Leskin, Ph.D., Director, National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) Military and Veteran Families, UCLA National Center for Child Traumatic Stress

Register online

DoD Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Summit
2024-04-05 10:00 - 14:00
Friday, April 5 · 10am – 2pm EDT

DoD Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Summit
Join us for the DoD Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Summit at the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center in Carlisle, PA, USA. This in-person event (no fee) aims to raise awareness and prevent sexual assault within the military & civilian community for SAAPM. Together, we’ll hear from a military survivor, learn from panel discussions from professionals in the community, and share resources. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with experts, survivors, and advocates in the field. Let’s work towards a future free from sexual assault in our armed forces.
This event is open to all – civilian, military members, and military spouses.

Register to attend

INTEGRATING TRAUMA INFORMED CARE INTO SUICIDE RESPONSE (ITIC)
2024-04-15 14:00 - 15:00
INTEGRATING TRAUMA INFORMED CARE INTO SUICIDE RESPONSE (ITIC)
Suicide Prevention Training
The Integrating Trauma Informed Care into Suicide Response course will describe the role of trauma in both risk for suicide behaviors and in coping with suicide loss. It is a one-hour virtual training primarily designed for those who work with people at risk for suicide, such as health care providers and social service professionals.
The curriculum covers the role of trauma in suicide risk, the SAMHSA principles of trauma informed care, as well as specific trauma informed strategies to utilize with survivors of suicide.
Trainings are open to anyone and will be delivered virtually, via Zoom.
Funded by the CDC’s Division of Injury Prevention
Call: 878-208-8186
Email: pag109@pitt.edu
SIGN-UP TODAY!
https://tinyurl.com/4p6kamf7
Upcoming ITIC Training Sessions:
• Monday, April 15th , 2024 from 2:00-3:00 PM
• Friday, May 10th , 2024 from 1:00-2:00 PM

"Talk. They Hear You."® Resource for Military Families
2024-04-18 14:00 - 14:30
“Talk. They Hear You.”® Resource for Military Families
Date: April 18, 2024Time: 2:00–3:30 p.m. ET
Learning Objectives

Discuss ways to prevent underage drinking and other substance use among youth
Discover resources for parents, caregivers, community, partners, educators, and more about having informed conversations
Identify opportunities to empower the voices of military-affiliated youth

Presenter

Robert M. Vincent, M.S.Ed., Associate Administrator, Alcohol Prevention and Treatment Policy, Office of the Director, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) Center for Substance Use Prevention

samRegister Online

ATP 5K - Run, Walk, Ruck
2024-04-28 08:00 - 13:00
ATP is a registered 510(c)(3) nonprofit, providing physical wellness and mental health services to Veterans & First Responders confidentially and free of charge through our Aurelius program. Individuals in our Aurelius program will receive a minimum of 3 physical wellness sessions per week, 4 Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) sessions per week, mental health counseling each week, and 2 adventure days per month for a total of 12 weeks. ATP also has programs for individuals living with neurological or chronic disease & illness, programs for kids, seniors, and athletes. We focus on incorporating strength and aerobic exercise, in combination with balance elements and movement patterns to take a whole body approach in improving functional performance and wellness.
First Annual ATP 5K – Run, Walk, & Ruck

All ages and fitness levels are welcome!
Registration Fee : $35 Adults, $30 Veterans/First Responders, $15 Children 12 and under
Learn more and register to attend online

Options to Run, Walk, or Ruck.

The first 75 participants will receive an ATP drawstring bag and ATP Shirt.
All proceeds benefit nonprofit Adventures in Training with a Purpose, and their military & first responder program, Aurelius.
Advance packet pickup available from AppRunCo on April 27th from 10:00am – 2:00pm. The address for packet pickup is 10616 Perry Hwy, Wexford, PA 15090
Day of registration begins at 7:30am. Registration ends promptly at 8:30am, no exceptions.
The race will begin at 9:00am at the North Park Boathouse: 10301 Pearce Mill Rd, Allison Park, PA 15101.
Post Race Party following the event at Latrobe Shelter & Playground. Address for the post race party is: 991 Tennis Ct Rd, Allison Park, PA 15101

Awards will be given to the following:
Overall Top 3 – Male
Overall Top 3 – Females
Top 3 Seniors (60+)- Male
Top 3 Seniors (60+)- Female
Top 3 Finishers – Children 12 & Under, Male
Top 3 Finishers – Children 12 & Under, Female
Top 3 Finishers – Ruck, Male
Top 3 Finishers – Ruck, Female
Ruck pack weights:
* If you weigh >150 lbs = 30 lb. Ruck Plate
* If you weigh < 150 lbs = 20 lb. Ruck Plate
– Water/Hydration. 1L minimum required. Hydration Bladder and a Nalgene recommended.
Following the race, we will have a post-race party on the second floor of the boathouse.

Packet Pickup Information
Advance packet pickup available from AppRunCo on April 27th from 10:00am – 2:00pm. The address for packet pickup is 10616 Perry Hwy, Wexford, PA 15090.

Mind-Body Workshop
2024-05-04 10:00 - 11:30
Join the American Red Cross for Introduction to Mind-Body Skills. This workshop teaches:
• Breathing
• Mindfulness Techniques
• Stretching and Movement
• Body Awareness and Functioning
• Guided Imagery
When: May 4th at 10am-11:30am
Where: American Red Cross Southwestern PA Chapter, 2801 Liberty Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Service members, veterans and their families are taught how to improve their wellbeing through skills that connect the body with the mind. Attendees learn the foundational tools from which they can build a mind-body practice for themselves to reduce stress and improve personal wellness.
Who Should Attend this Workshop?
o Active duty service members
o Service-separated (all types) and retired veterans
o Members of the Guard and Reserves
o Family members, both dependent and non-dependent
For more information please email ryan.erdman@redcross.org

INTEGRATING TRAUMA INFORMED CARE INTO SUICIDE RESPONSE (ITIC)
2024-05-10 13:00 - 14:00
INTEGRATING TRAUMA INFORMED CARE INTO SUICIDE RESPONSE (ITIC)
Suicide Prevention Training
The Integrating Trauma Informed Care into Suicide Response course will describe the role of trauma in both risk for suicide behaviors and in coping with suicide loss. It is a one-hour virtual training primarily designed for those who work with people at risk for suicide, such as health care providers and social service professionals.
The curriculum covers the role of trauma in suicide risk, the SAMHSA principles of trauma informed care, as well as specific trauma informed strategies to utilize with survivors of suicide.
Trainings are open to anyone and will be delivered virtually, via Zoom.
Funded by the CDC’s Division of Injury Prevention
Call: 878-208-8186
Email: pag109@pitt.edu
SIGN-UP TODAY!
https://tinyurl.com/4p6kamf7
Upcoming ITIC Training Sessions:
• Friday, May 10th , 2024 from 1:00-2:00 PM

Join the Caregiver Support Program
2024-05-15 19:00 - 20:00
Join the Caregiver Support Program
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Caregiver Support Program (CSP) is excited to continue virtual events for caregivers of Veterans. Check out May’s schedule below.
Calls will be held on the following dates and times:
Wednesday, May 15 at 7 p.m. ET
Wednesday, May 22 at 3 p.m. ET
To listen to the CSL monthly education calls, dial +1 347-566-4838 Conference ID: 521 546 087#. Caregivers who are unable to listen to the calls can access presentations on the CSL webpage.
Reach Out to Your Caregiver Support Team!
Every VA facility has a Caregiver Support Team (CST). CST’s provide support and service referrals, and valuable information about resources to help you stay informed and supported as you care for your Veteran. Contact your local CST to learn about more events happening in your area.

SAFE Project | SAFE Veterans
2024-05-16 14:00 - 15:30
SAFE Project | SAFE Veterans
Date: May 16, 2024Time: 2:00–3:30 p.m. ET
Learning Objectives

Discover workshops geared toward supporting military families and caregivers
Learn how the Stop the Addiction Fatality Epidemic (SAFE) Project is working with civilian and Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals to educate on opioids and discuss alternatives
Understand how the SAFE Project is working to promote wellness among those who serve and their family members

Presenters

Kelly Niedzwiecki, M.M.A.S., Senior Director of SAFE Veterans, SAFE Project
Leslie Plaia, M.Ed., Executive Director, Substance Use and Behavioral Health, SAFE Project

Register online

Join the Caregiver Support Program
2024-05-22 15:00 - 16:00
Join the Caregiver Support Program
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Caregiver Support Program (CSP) is excited to continue virtual events for caregivers of Veterans.
A call will be held on Wednesday, May 22 at 3 p.m. ET
To listen to the CSL monthly education calls, dial +1 347-566-4838 Conference ID: 521 546 087#. Caregivers who are unable to listen to the calls can access presentations on the CSL webpage.
Reach Out to Your Caregiver Support Team!
Every VA facility has a Caregiver Support Team (CST). CST’s provide support and service referrals, and valuable information about resources to help you stay informed and supported as you care for your Veteran. Contact your local CST to learn about more events happening in your area.

Caregiver Support Line
2024-06-04 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-06-12 19:00 - 20:00, 2024-06-26 15:00 - 16:00
Join the Caregiver Support Program this June
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Caregiver Support Program (CSP) is excited to continue virtual events for caregivers of Veterans. Check out June’s schedule below.

Find Time to Take Care of You
Join May’s VA Caregiver Support Line (CSL) Monthly Educational Calls for Balance in the Eye of the Storm: Self-Care when Caring for a Loved One with Mental Health Concerns. Calls will be held on the following dates and times:

Tuesday, June 4 at 10 a.m. ET
Wednesday, June 12 at 7 p.m. ET
Wednesday, June 26 at 3 p.m. ET

To listen to the CSL monthly education calls, dial +1 347-566-4838 Conference ID: 521 546 087#. Caregivers who are unable to listen to the calls can access presentations on the CSL webpage.
Reach Out to Your Caregiver Support Team!
Every VA facility has a Caregiver Support Team (CST). CST’s provide support and service referrals, and valuable information about resources to help you stay informed and supported as you care for your Veteran. Contact your local CST to learn about more events happening in your area.

Reconnection Workshop
2024-06-08 10:00 - 11:30
Join the American Red Cross for Reconnection Workshop: Stress Solutions. Stress Solutions is a module designed to help service members, veterans and military families learn the benefits of healthy stress, recognize when stress is unhealthy and know what steps to take to effectively manage stress over the long term.
When: June 8th at 10am-11:30am
Where: Southwestern PA Chapter, 2801 Liberty Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15222
A free and confidential program from the American Red Cross, Reconnection Workshops help service members, veterans and their families returning home to friends, jobs and their communities. Skill-enhancing modules are offered in small groups, and participants can choose from a variety of topics, such as:
• Dealing with stress
• Communicating clearly
• Managing conflict
• Coping with depression
• Supporting children
For more information please email ryan.erdman@redcross.org

Erie, PA VA Women Veterans Health and Wellness Expo
2024-06-08 11:00 - 15:00
When: Saturday, June 8, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Zem Zem Shrine Club (2525 W 38th St., Erie, PA 16506)
All women Veterans invited! Meet with your Erie VA Women’s Health Program team and community women organizations to learn about the women’s health services available.
Please join us to honor our Women Veterans and enjoy:
• Multiple Vendors
• Chair Massages
• Light Snacks
• Photo Booth
Please RSVP to the Women’s Health Program at 814-860-2907.

QPR + CALM Training
2024-06-11 12:30 - 15:30
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.
This date also offers a 1-hour Counseling on Access to Lethal Means Training (CALM) directly after the QPR sessions. You can opt-in to one or both trainings.
CALM_flyer_Q22024-2 Pennsylvania suicide rates, especially in rural counties, are higher than the national average. 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 an individual who can recognize a crisis and the warning signs of someone possibly contemplating suicide. Anyone can become a gatekeeper: parents. friends, neighbors, teachers, athletic coaches, ministers, doctors, nurses, office supervisors, squad leaders, foremen, police officers, advisors, caseworkers, firefighters, etc. Gatekeepers come from all walks of life and do not require any prior training or education.
Click on the image to download. You can access the registration online. Please contact us if you experience challenges with registration.
We look forward to meeting you at an upcoming training session!

Promoting Suicide Prevention Among American Indian Service Members, Veterans, and their Families
2024-06-26 14:00 - 15:30
Date: June 26, 2024
Time: 2:00–3:30 p.m. ET
Register online
Overview
Hosted by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, this listening session seeks input from American Indian/Alaska Native Service Members, Veterans and their Families (SMVF), and community leaders serving this population.
Listening Session Goals

Better understand the views and concerns of tribal communities and find ways to build a strong tribal program for suicide prevention
Ensure representation and elevate Indigenous knowledge throughout all aspects of program planning and implementation

VAPHS Veterans Town Halls on the Move and Resource Fairs
2024-06-27 16:00 - 18:00
VAPHS Veterans Town Halls on the Move and Resource Fairs
3 p.m. Town Hall
Get important updates and hear from VAPHS and VBA leadership and other VA representatives. Our town halls are part of our ongoing effort to use your feedback to improve VA care.

4-6 p.m. Resource Fair
Talk to subject matter experts about programs and services for Veterans, including VA Whole Health, VA benefits, vocational rehabilitation, and much, much more!
Beaver County – June 27
Economy Volunteer Fire
Department Banquet Hall
3308 Conway Wallrose Road
Sewickley, PA 15143
Washington County – July 15
Elks Lodge #776
135 East Maiden Street
Washington, PA 15301
Westmoreland County – July 23
Youngwood Volunteer Fire Department
104 South 2nd Street
Youngwood, PA 15697
Belmont County – July 25
Ohio Valley Mall
Community Room
67800 Mall Road
St. Clairsville, OH 43950
Fayette County – July 31
Morrell Volunteer Fire Department
1232 University Drive
Dunbar, PA 15431

Conversations on the Past, Present, and Future: LGBTQIA+ in Service and Beyond
2024-06-27 18:00 - 20:00
Join PsychArmor Thursday June 27th at 6 PM ET for an engaging conversation on the past, present, and future of the LGBTQIA+ community in service and beyond. Moderated by Duane France, the host of PsychArmor’s “Behind the Mission” podcast, this event will feature exceptional panelists including Allison Jaslow, CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America; Larry Hetu-Robert, Services Manager and Veteran Liaison, and Arrianna Auva’a, Programs, Grant and Media Certified Veterans Service Officer, who are members of the LGBTQIA+ community, Veterans, and subject matter experts. We are excited to present this webcast to a diverse audience of community members, allies, healthcare providers, and more. This initiative is driven by the Michigan Governor’s Challenge and is offered in partnership with the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) and Humana.
Register online

July Caregiver Support Program
2024-07-09 10:00 - 11:00
Join the Caregiver Support Program this July
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Caregiver Support Program (CSP) is excited to continue virtual events for caregivers of Veterans. Check out July’s schedule below.

Roles in Relationships
Join July’s VA Caregiver Support Line (CSL) Monthly Educational Calls for Dual Caregivers: Surviving and Conquering the Challenges. Caregivers doing the brave work of caring for a Veteran and a child will benefit from these sessions. Caring for both Veterans and children requires special attention and support. Calls will be held on the following dates and times:

Tuesday, July 9 at 10 a.m. ET
Wednesday, July 17 at 7 p.m. ET
Wednesday, July 23 at 3 p.m. ET

To listen to the CSL monthly education calls, dial +1 347-566-4838 Conference ID: 521 546 087#. Caregivers who are unable to listen to the calls can access presentations on the CSL webpage.
Reach Out to Your Caregiver Support Team!
Every VA facility has a Caregiver Support Team (CST). CST’s provide support and service referrals, and valuable information about resources to help you stay informed and supported as you care for your Veteran. Contact your local CST to learn about more events happening in your area.
Sincerely,
Your Caregiver Support Team

Butler, PA Vet Fest
2024-07-13 10:00 - 14:00
Saturday, July 13, 2024 from 10am-2pm
Abie Abraham VA Clinic, Butler PA
Special thanks to the Butler VA Center for Development & Civic Engagement for sponsoring this event.
Veterans of all service eras and their families are invited to attend to learn more about Butler VA programs and services, such as the PACT Act and enroll on-site in VA health care.
A special tribute and giveaways will be available for Post 9/11 Veterans.
Facility tours, on-site registration, kids activities, local Veteran Service Organizations, and more will be available to all Veterans and their families.
Call 724-477-5010 for any questions.
