Caregiver Support Line
2024-06-26 15:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York)
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.

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.

VAPHS Veterans Town Halls on the Move and Resource Fairs
2024-07-15 15:00 - 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!
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

Survivors of Suicide Bereavement Support Group
2024-07-16 17:00 - 18:00, 2024-08-20 17:00 - 18:00
Are you grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide?
Survivors of Suicide Bereavement Support Group
Held the THIRD Tuesday of the month
5:00PM-6:00PM
Mercer Area Library
110 E Venango St, Mercer, PA 16137
Must be at least 18 years old to attend
Facilitators are peers who have been trained to help those with a loss by suicide and want to help others cope with the loss of loved ones.
For more information contact Anna @ Mercer County Behavioral Health 724-662-1550 EXT. 190

QPR + CALM Training
2024-07-17 13:00 - 15:00
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.
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!

July Caregiver Support Program
2024-07-17 19:00 - 20:00
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:

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

Considering Alternatives to Prohibiting Psychedelic Drugs
2024-07-18 16:00 - 17:00
The RAND Epstein Family Veterans Policy Research Institute and the RAND Drug Policy Research Center Invite You to Attend

Considering Alternatives to Prohibiting Psychedelic Drugs

Thursday, July 18, 2024
4 to 5 p.m. EDT /
1 to 2 p.m. PDT

Zoom Webinar
Please register in advance

Register now »

About the Program

Psychedelic substances, such as psilocybin mushrooms and MDMA (ecstasy), have long been touted as holding promise for treating various mental health conditions. Some Indigenous groups have used some of these substances as spiritual medicines in traditional healing and ceremonies for millennia. Over the past decade, an increasing number of military veterans have pushed for more access to some of these substances. Clinical studies, including research conducted at (and that will soon be funded by) the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, are growing.
At the same time, some states and local governments are loosening their approaches to some psychedelics. In fact, some states are implementing or considering approaches that legalize some forms of supply to adults for any reason. It seems likely that more jurisdictions will consider and implement alternative policies to prohibiting the nonclinical supply of some psychedelics, possibly including retail sales. This means that these products will made more available to the U.S. population, including veterans. But how widely available will the drugs be? Under what conditions will they be accessed? And how will these changes affect Indigenous communities? Answers to these and other policy-related questions remain to be seen.
Our panel of experts will present new data about the use of psychedelics in the United States from a newly released RAND Report Considering Alternatives to Psychedelic Drug Prohibition. They will highlight the changing policy landscape at the state and local levels and consider the pros and cons of potential policy frameworks. There will be a special focus on what these changes mean for veterans and Indigenous Peoples.
This webinar is part of a series of events organized by the RAND Epstein Family Veterans Policy Research Institute to explore pressing policy challenges affecting veterans, their families, and their communities. It is cohosted with the RAND Drug Policy Research Center which conducts research to help decisionmakers in the United States and abroad address issues involving alcohol and other drugs.

Moderator

Michelle Priest (she/her) is an assistant policy researcher at RAND and a Ph.D. candidate at the Pardee RAND Graduate School. She holds B.A.s in economics and linguistics from the University of California, Los Angeles, as well as an M.Phil. in policy analysis from Pardee RAND Graduate School. Her research focuses on policymaking for emerging industries, including ethics in technology development, equity issues in the regulation of cannabis, and public safety related to psychedelic substances. She is a coauthor of RAND’s new report, Considering Alternatives to Psychedelic Drug Prohibition.

Featured Speakers

Beau Kilmer (he/him) is codirector of the RAND Drug Policy Research Center and a senior policy researcher at RAND. He conducts research at the intersection of public health and public safety, with an emphasis on crime control, substance use, illegal markets, and public policy. His recent projects have explored the consequences of cannabis legalization (with a special focus on social equity); the future of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids; the effect of 24/7 Sobriety programs on DUI, domestic violence, and mortality; and the implications of legalizing psychedelics. Kilmer is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Committee on Public Health Consequences of Changes in the Cannabis Policy Landscape. In 2023, he was elected as vice president of the International Society for the Study of Drug Policy. He has a Ph.D. in public policy from Harvard University.

Jesse Gould is a former Army Ranger and a pioneer in psychedelic therapies for veterans. As founder and president of the Heroic Hearts Project, he has spearheaded the research and acceptance of ayahuasca, ibogaine, ketamine, and psilocybin therapy programs for military veterans. Gould has connected hundreds of veterans to psychedelic treatments, partnered with the world’s leading psychedelic centers, and is researching psychiatric applications with the University of Georgia, the University of Texas, Austin Dell Medical School, and Imperial College of London. His mission is to help military veterans struggling with mental trauma and spread awareness of the benefits that psychedelic therapies offer as an alternative treatment to pharmaceuticals. Gould has spoken globally about the benefits of psychedelics on mental health and has been featured in the New York Times, the New Yorker, the Economist, and Forbes. He is recognized as one of the most influential voices in psychedelics today. To date, the Heroic Hearts Project has raised over $10 million dollars and has served over 1,500 veterans and military spouses through psychedelic therapies.

Rajeev Ramchand (he/him) is codirector of the RAND Epstein Family Veterans Policy Research Institute, a senior behavioral scientist at RAND, and a professor of policy analysis at Pardee RAND Graduate School. He studies the prevalence, prevention, and treatment of mental health and substance use disorders in adolescents, service members and veterans, and minority populations. He has conducted research on suicide and suicide prevention including environmental scans of suicide prevention programs, epidemiologic studies on risk factors for suicide, qualitative research with suicide loss survivors, systematic reviews of the role of firearm availability, storage, and policies on suicide, and evaluations of suicide prevention programs. He has also developed freely available tools to help organizations to evaluate their own suicide prevention programs. In 2022, he was appointed by the Secretary of Defense to serve as a member of the Department of Defense Suicide Prevention and Response Independent Review Committee. He currently serves on the Executive Committee of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee. He has testified on suicide prevention before the United States Senate and House of Representatives.

Additional speakers forthcoming.

Register for This Program

Please register to attend. This event is open to the public and advance registration is required. Those who register will receive Zoom connection details via email. For more details, please visit the event page.

July Caregiver Support Program
2024-07-23 15:00 - 16:00
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:

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

VAPHS Veterans Town Halls on the Move and Resource Fairs
2024-07-23 15:00 - 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!
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

QPR Training
2024-07-29 14:00 - 16:00
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.
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.
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!
QPR Training Sessions
• Monday, July 29, 2024, 2:00-4:00 PM
•Tuesday , August 6 , 2024, 9:00-11:00 AM
• Friday, August 23, 2024, 2:00-4:00 PM
• Tuesday, September 10, 2024, 11 :00 AM-1:00 PM
• Monday, September 16, 2024, 12:00-2:00 PM

VAPHS Veterans Town Halls on the Move and Resource Fairs
2024-07-31 15:00 - 18:00
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!
Fayette County – July 31
Morrell Volunteer Fire Department
1232 University Drive
Dunbar, PA 15431

Conversations with Caregivers and Families
2024-08-01 13:00 - 15:00
Register Now For PsychArmor’s Upcoming Caregiver and Families Webinar
Join us Thursday August 1st at 1 PM ET for “Conversations with Caregivers and Families.” Our special guest Melissa Comeau, Director of the American Red Cross Military and Veteran Caregiver Network, will discuss the Whole Health Model. Melissa will also share her experience supporting military and Veteran caregivers and Families using the “Petals of Wellness” framework and how critical it is for us to tend to our own personal needs as we bloom.
You will not want to miss hearing Melissa share how to implement Whole Health practices into daily life, highlighting how we all can be empowered to take control of our health and overall well-being, adapt to changes, and cope with the stressors of military life and beyond!
Prepare to explore questions such as, “What do you want your health for?” and “What Matters to You…” not “What is the matter with you?”
Register now to secure your spot!
*This 60-minute webinar will include a Q&A session, allowing you to engage directly with our guests.

QPR + CALM Training
2024-08-06 09:00 - 11:00
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.
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!
QPR Training Sessions
• Tuesday , August 6 , 2024, 9:00-11:00 AM
• Friday, August 23, 2024, 2:00-4:00 PM
• Tuesday, September 10, 2024, 11 :00 AM-1:00 PM
• Monday, September 16, 2024, 12:00-2:00 PM

Caregiver Support Program: Setting Boundaries
2024-08-06 10:00 - 11:00
Join the Caregiver Support Program this August
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Caregiver Support Program (CSP) is excited to continue virtual events for caregivers of Veterans. Check out August’s schedule below.

Setting Boundaries
Join August’s VA Caregiver Support Line (CSL) Monthly Educational Calls for Setting Boundaries: Defining What is Best for You, the Caregiver. Calls will be held on the following dates and times:

Tuesday, August 6 at 10 a.m. ET
Wednesday, August 14 at 7 p.m. ET
Wednesday, August 21 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.

988 Day Activation Workshop
2024-08-12 14:30 - 15:30
Date & Time
Aug 12, 2024 2:30 PM ET
Learn more and register online

The first annual 988 Day is happening on September 8th, 2024, and we are asking for your participation to make it a success! Please join us for the first-ever 988 Day Activation Workshop. The workshop is intended for organizations and individuals interested in promoting mental health and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The goal of 988 Day is to raise awareness of 988 activities around the country in fun and creative ways. This year’s 988 Day message is: “No Judgment. Just Help.” In the workshop, we will explain 988 Day and then create breakout rooms for you to brainstorm ideas with others. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a movement that will make a lasting impact on mental health support across the nation. Together, we can ensure that everyone knows that at the 988 Lifeline there is “No Judgment. Just Help.”

Caregiver Support Program: Setting Boundaries
2024-08-14 19:00 - 20:00
Join the Caregiver Support Program this August
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Caregiver Support Program (CSP) is excited to continue virtual events for caregivers of Veterans. Check out August’s schedule below.

Setting Boundaries
Join August’s VA Caregiver Support Line (CSL) Monthly Educational Calls for Setting Boundaries: Defining What is Best for You, the Caregiver. Calls will be held on the following dates and times:

Wednesday, August 14 at 7 p.m. ET
Wednesday, August 21 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.

Boardwalk in the ‘Burgh
2024-08-16 10:00 - 14:00
Do you enjoy free food, live entertainment and activities for your kids – all while learning more about your VA benefits?
Have we got an event for you – stop by our Boardwalk in the ‘Burgh on Friday, Aug. 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on our H.J. Heinz III campus.
Stop in for:

Free hot dogs, chips and cold beverages
Cornhole with friends
Dunk tank featuring VA staff
Live entertainment with Richard “Doc” Mondak of Rust Bucket
Fresh produce for purchase
Information on VA benefits
Womens health Q&A
And more – check back for updates!

In addition, Veterans with a service-connected disability who were separated from the military under other than honorable conditions through either an administrative discharge or by special court martial can meet with a VBA representative to check their eligibility for VA benefits and health care under a recent rule change.
Bring your Veteran friends, whether or not enrolled in VA health care! Families, children and significant others welcome!
Festivities kick off at 10 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Center for Whole Health and Wellness.
Address

1010 Delafield Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15240-1005
Get directions on Google Maps

Phone numbers

Main phone: 866-482-7488Main phone
Mental health care: 412-360-6600

To find out if you are eligible to enroll in VA health care:

Call VA toll-free at 877-222-8387, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Apply at www.va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply
Download the mailable VA Form 10-10EZ. Send the completed 10-10EZ with a copy of your DD214 to VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Attn: Patient Registration, University Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15240.

Sober Summer Fun!
2024-08-17 11:00 - 14:00
AUGUST 17, 2024, 11 am
Sober Summer Fun!
Please join us for a cornhole tournament, free school supplies, backpacks and other give away items!
JOIN US FOR FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUN!
Woodcock Lake Park
23050 Woodcock Lake Park
Shelter 3
Meadville PA
This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance awarded totaling $300,000 with 100% funded by HRSA/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

Caregiver Support Program: Setting Boundaries
2024-08-21 15:00 - 16:00
Join the Caregiver Support Program this August
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Caregiver Support Program (CSP) is excited to continue virtual events for caregivers of Veterans. Check out August’s schedule below.

Setting Boundaries
Join August’s VA Caregiver Support Line (CSL) Monthly Educational Calls for Setting Boundaries: Defining What is Best for You, the Caregiver. Calls will be held on the following dates and times:

Wednesday, August 21 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.

QPR Training
2024-08-23 14:00 - 16:00
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.
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.
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!
QPR Training Sessions
• Friday, August 23, 2024, 2:00-4:00 PM
• Tuesday, September 10, 2024, 11 :00 AM-1:00 PM
• Monday, September 16, 2024, 12:00-2:00 PM

Butler County, PA Suicide Awareness Remembrance Rally
2024-09-04 17:00 - 19:00
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
The Butler County Suicide Coalition is holding an event each week in September to remember those we have lost while raising awareness and sharing prevention resources.
September 4, 2024: Suicide Awareness Remembrance Rally 5:00pm Diamond Park, Main St Butler PA. A time of support and remembrance for our community.
For more info contact Amy Cirelli at 724-284-5114.

Butler County, PA Warrior Walk
2024-09-08 14:00 - 17:00
Sunday, September 8th at 2pm
Karns City Athletic Field
In memory of Tyler J. Barger
#beheretomorrow
All money raised from the walk goes to iRise to Save Lives for suicide prevention, education, and awareness.

Butler, PA Community Mental Health Summit
2024-09-10 08:00 - 17:00
SAVE THE DATE for the annual Butler VA Health Care System’s Mental Health Summit to be held on September 10. This year’s theme is “Stop the Stigma!” In-person attendance will be limited, but there will be an option to participate virtually. The event will be held at the Abie Abraham VA Health Care Center, Auditorium, located at 353 North Duffy Road, Butler, PA 16001. Please call 878-271-6172 to register or for more information.

QPR Training
2024-09-10 11:00 - 13:00
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.
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.
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!
QPR Training Sessions
• Tuesday, September 10, 2024, 11 :00 AM-1:00 PM
• Monday, September 16, 2024, 12:00-2:00 PM

Nurturing Hope: Supporting Loved Ones Who Have Passive Suicidal Thoughts
2024-09-10 19:00 - 20:00
Nurturing Hope: Supporting Loved Ones Who Have Passive Suicidal Thoughts, sponsored by Families for Depression Awareness.
Airing Tuesday, September 10, 2024, from 7:00 to 8:00 pm ET
Learn more online
Watch live on Facebook or YouTube
Dealing with chronic passive suicidal thoughts can feel like being stuck in a dark tunnel with no end in sight, both for the individual going through them and for their caregivers. It’s an experience that can feel isolating and overwhelming, but it’s not something you have to face alone.
Join us for “Nurturing Hope: Supporting Loved Ones Who Have Passive Suicidal Thoughts”, a livestream panel discussion that aims to illuminate the difficult nature of passive suicidality. We’ll explore ways to navigate these delicate situations, offering resources and strategies for caregivers. Together, we can foster open conversations, encourage understanding, and provide crucial support for our loved ones.

Presenters

Kiara Alvarez, PhD

Kiara Alvarez, PhD is a Bloomberg Assistant Professor of American Health in the Department of Health, Behavior, and Society at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She is a licensed psychologist and holds a joint appointment at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Her research focuses on youth mental health equity, suicide prevention, and the well-being of Latinx and immigrant youth, including family-centered approaches to integrating mental health into primary care and community settings. She is on the Board of Directors for the Society for Prevention Research and steering committee for the Youth Suicide Research Consortium.

Johanna Louie, LCSW

Johanna Louie is a licensed clinical social worker passionate about caring for caregivers. In 10+ years of working in suicide prevention, she has served in roles like crisis line manager and psychotherapist, as well as directed clinical training programs. In 2018, she co-founded Suicide Is Different (SID) with Daniela Zanich. To this day, SID continues to provide support services for both professional and family caregivers caring for someone thinking about suicide. Johanna holds Master’s Degrees in Social Work from Columbia University and Human Behavior from the University of Southern California.

Imadé Nibokun

Imadé (ee-MAH-day) is a writer, mental health advocate, and founder of Depressed While Black®. She is a suicide attempt survivor who lives with clinical depression and borderline personality disorder. Imadé first developed Depressed While Black as her 2015 Columbia University Non-Fiction Creative Writing MFA thesis. Depressed While Black has grown into an online community and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that donates Black-affirming personal care items to psychiatric patients and connects people to Black therapists.

Lisa Mecham, MSW, Moderator

Lisa Mecham, MSW, is a writer and freelance editor based in California. Her work has been featured in The New York Times: Tiny Modern Love and Roxane Gay’s bestselling anthology Not That Bad: Dispatches from Rape Culture. Lisa’s writing about redefining her family and staying legally married to her husband, despite their separation, has been published in The On Being Project and HuffPost. Lisa’s interests center around resiliency, agency, and hope, with a particular focus on empowering women. She holds a Master of Social Work degree from the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis.

Caregiver Support Program: Setting Boundaries
2024-09-11 19:00 - 20:00
Join the Caregiver Support Program this September
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Caregiver Support Program (CSP) is excited to continue virtual events for caregivers of Veterans. Check out September’s schedule below.

Setting Boundaries
Join September’s VA Caregiver Support Line (CSL) Monthly Educational Calls for Good Grief: Finding Hope in the Necessary Losses of Being a Caregiver. Calls will be held on the following dates and times:

Wednesday, Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. ET
Wednesday, Sept. 18 at 3 p.m. ET
Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 1 p.m. ET (Presented in Spanish)

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.
