The Resilient Veteran

Caregiver Support Program: Setting Boundaries
2024-09-24 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
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:

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.

Butler County, PA Game Night
2024-09-24 18:00 - 20:00
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 24: Game Night at Your Parent’s Basement from 6:00-8:00pm
Location: Your Parent’s Basement, Main St Butler PA
Admission is on us! Join us for an evening of fellowship and sharing of resources!
For more info, contact Amy Cirelli at 724-284-5114.

8th Annual Suicide Prevention Conference
2024-09-25 08:00 - 17:00
8th Annual
Suicide Prevention Conference
Wednesday, September 25th, 2024
Call for Proposals
This year’s conference will be held at the Ambassador Conference Center in Erie on Wednesday, 9/25/24. The annual conference typically draws around 200 participants from all over Erie County and beyond and hosts breakout sessions focusing on the area of suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention.
This year’s theme is: Forging Ahead with Hope: Innovation in Prevention
The conference planning committee requests that all proposals for breakout sessions meet one of the following conference goals:
1). Building upon existing partnerships and expanding the reach of suicide prevention in our community.
2). Integration of suicide prevention into conversations and training initiatives in work, school, and other community settings.
3). Advancements in suicide prevention screening and assessment.
4). Improvement of access to emergency mental health care including crisis and suicide intervention in all communities.
5). Usage of research and data for improvement of outcomes relating to suicide prevention and intervention.
6). Development and implementation of resilience and hope in suicide prevention and intervention.
Breakout sessions will be 75-90 minutes in duration and are training opportunities in which the presenter(s) lead participants through lecture, exercises and/or skill development in a given domain as the material relates to one of the above stated conference goals.
· You may submit more than one proposal but each proposal must be a complete and separate submission.
· The deadline for proposals is 8/1/2024.
· Proposals will be reviewed for completeness and stated criteria, connection and relevance to the audience and conference goals, and qualifications of the presenter(s).
· You will be notified on or before August 15th, 2024 whether your proposal has been accepted
Step 1: Complete the online proposal form that requests the following information here: https://lnkd.in/eEHx5NHH (https://lnkd.in/eEHx5NHH)

Lawrence County Out of the Darkness Walk
2024-10-05 09:00 - 11:30
REGISTER TODAY
Lawrence County Out of the Darkness Walk
Saturday, October, 5, 2024
Register at afsp.org/NEWCASTLE
On-Site Registration Starts: 9:30 am
Program Starts: 11:00 am
Location: Riverwalk Memorial Park – 250 E. Washington St., New Castle, PA 16101
Contact: Michele Kelly-Thompson
Contact Phone: 724-510-3271
Contact Email: mkthompson@humanservicescenter.net

Caregiver Support: Managing Anger
2024-10-09 19:00 - 20:00
Join the Caregiver Support Program this October

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Caregiver Support Program (CSP) is excited to continue virtual events for caregivers of Veterans. Check out October’s schedule below.
Join October’s VA Caregiver Support Line (CSL) Monthly Educational Calls for Extinguishing the Fire: Managing Anger’s Destructive Potential. Caregiving has its challenges and managing your anger is vital for your well-being as a caregiver. Please note, calls will be held on the following dates and times:

Wednesday, Oct. 9 at 7 p.m. ET
Wednesday, Oct. 16 at 3 p.m. ET
Tuesday, Oct. 22 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. Find your local Caregiver Support Team to learn about more events happening in your area.

14th Annual Veteran Stand Down: New Castle, PA
2024-10-11 12:00 - 15:00
14th Annual Veteran Stand Down
Friday, October 11, 2024
12:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Cascade Park, 1928 E. Washington Street, New Castle, PA

Free for Vets and Service Members: Medical screenings, haircuts, hygiene products, boxed meals, and organization with resource information and referrals.
For more info contact
Missy Russell 724.658.7258 ext. 1414
Jess Putnam 724.656.2172
Holly Vete 724.657.0226
www.va.gov/butler-health-care

Suicide Prevention and SUD
2024-10-16 13:00 - 14:00
Substance misuse is the second most frequent risk factor for suicide.
The SP/SUD course is about how to recognize the warning signs of SUD and suicide, the intersection of SUD and suicide, and how stigma can affect help seekers and help givers. It is a one-hour virtual training designed for mental health professionals, health care providers, and social service professionals.
The SP/SUD curriculum covers the facts, warning signs, protective factors, and stigma associated with SUD and suicide, as well as proactive care strategies to consider. Trainings are open to anyone and will be delivered virtually, via Zoom.
SP/SUD Trainings (virtual):
• Wednesday, October 16, 2024 1:00-2:00 PM
• Tuesday, November 19, 2024 1:00 -2:00 PM
Free CEUs will be provided in EMS/LSW/LCSW/LPC/LMFT from UPMC.

Caregiver Support: Managing Anger
2024-10-16 15:00 - 16:30
Join the Caregiver Support Program this October

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Caregiver Support Program (CSP) is excited to continue virtual events for caregivers of Veterans. Check out October’s schedule below.
Join October’s VA Caregiver Support Line (CSL) Monthly Educational Calls for Extinguishing the Fire: Managing Anger’s Destructive Potential. Caregiving has its challenges and managing your anger is vital for your well-being as a caregiver. Please note, calls will be held on the following dates and times:

Wednesday, Oct. 16 at 3 p.m. ET
Tuesday, Oct. 22 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. Find your local Caregiver Support Team to learn about more events happening in your area.

Caregiver Support: Managing Anger
2024-10-22 13:00 - 14:30
Join the Caregiver Support Program this October

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Caregiver Support Program (CSP) is excited to continue virtual events for caregivers of Veterans. Check out October’s schedule below.
Join October’s VA Caregiver Support Line (CSL) Monthly Educational Calls for Extinguishing the Fire: Managing Anger’s Destructive Potential. Caregiving has its challenges and managing your anger is vital for your well-being as a caregiver. Please note, calls will be held on the following dates and times:

Tuesday, Oct. 22 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. Find your local Caregiver Support Team to learn about more events happening in your area.

QPR Training
2024-10-28 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.
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
Monday, October 28, 2024 11:00 AM -1:00 PM

9th Annual Butler County Stand Down
2024-11-01 11:00 - 14:00
Friday, November 1, 2024
Veterans Only 11 am – 12 pm, All Others 12 pm – 1:30 pm
American Legion Post 778
150 Legion Memorial Lane
Butler, PA 16001
A day offering free services, support, and resources for Veterans, their families, and those in need.
For more information contact
Allyson Rose 724-284-5114
Ashlee Hershberger 724-431-3643
Email butlercountystanddown@gmail.com

Counseling on Access to Lethal Means Training (CALM)
2024-11-08 12:00 - 13:00
Virtual :: 1-hour
This activity is approved for the following credit: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, ANCC, ASWB, and AAPA Category 1 CME.
Audience: Mental health professionals, health care providers, social service professionals, and general public community members
Reducing access to lethal means, such as firearms and medication, can determine whether a person at risk for suicide lives or dies. The CALM course focuses on how to reduce access to the methods people use to kill themselves. It is primarily designed for mental health professionals, but others who work with people at risk for suicide—such as health care providers and social service professionals—would also benefit. The curriculum covers who needs lethal means counseling and how to collaborate with individuals at risk and their families to create safer environments by reducing access to lethal means.
Learning Objectives:

Identify who needs lethal means counseling.
Collaborate with individuals at risk and their families to reduce access to lethal methods.

Register here
For questions related to the training or registration, contact us at 412-383-3926 or chirdon@pitt.edu
Funded by the CDC’s Division of Injury Prevention.

Suicide Prevention and SUDs
2024-11-19 13:00 - 14:00
Substance misuse is the second most frequent risk factor for suicide.
The SP/SUD course is about how to recognize the warning signs of SUD and suicide, the intersection of SUD and suicide, and how stigma can affect help seekers and help givers. It is a one-hour virtual training designed for mental health professionals, health care providers, and social service professionals.
The SP/SUD curriculum covers the facts, warning signs, protective factors, and stigma associated with SUD and suicide, as well as proactive care strategies to consider. Trainings are open to anyone and will be delivered virtually, via Zoom.
SP/SUD Trainings (virtual):
• Tuesday, November 19, 2024 1:00 -2:00 PM
Free CEUs will be provided in EMS/LSW/LCSW/LPC/LMFT from UPMC.

Counseling on Access to Lethal Means Training (CALM)
2025-01-07 12:00 - 13:00
Virtual :: 1-hour :: Free CEUs for EMS, LSW, LCSW, LPC, LMFT (provided by UPMC)
Mental health professionals, health care providers, social service professionals, and general public community members
A virtual training on reducing access to lethal means for individuals at risk of suicide.
Reducing access to lethal means, such as firearms and medication, can determine whether a person at risk for suicide lives or dies. The CALM course focuses on how to reduce access to the methods people use to kill themselves. It is primarily designed for mental health professionals, but others who work with people at risk for suicide—such as health care providers and social service professionals—would also benefit. The curriculum covers who needs lethal means counseling and how to collaborate with individuals at risk and their families to create safer environments by reducing access to lethal means.
Learning Objectives:

Identify who needs lethal means counseling.
Collaborate with individuals at risk and their families to reduce access to lethal methods.

Register here
For questions related to the training or registration, contact us at 412-383-3926 or chirdon@pitt.edu
Funded by the CDC’s Division of Injury Prevention.

Art and Music at the Barrow
2025-01-11 18:00 - 19:00 | Barrow-Civic Theatre, 1223 Liberty St., Franklin, PA, 16323, United States
In-Person :: 1-hour :: Free Event
Join us for an evening of art and music at the historic Barrow-Civic Theatre. This family-friendly event is open to all ages and encourages creativity, connection, and mental wellness.

Enjoy guided art activities suitable for beginners and seasoned artists.
Experience live music to set the tone for an inspiring and relaxing evening.

Why It Matters:
Art and music have the power to heal and connect us, especially during challenging times. This event supports community engagement and mental well-being.
RSVP via email at Faublem2@upmc.edu or complete this online form to secure your spot.
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 award 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.

Suicide Prevention: Links to Substance Use Disorder Care (SUD)
2025-01-13 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-02-14 12:00 - 13:00
Virtual :: 1-hour :: Free CEUs for EMS, LSW, LCSW, LPC, LMFT (provided by UPMC)
Mental health professionals, health care providers, social service professionals, and general public community members
A virtual training on reducing access to lethal means for individuals at risk of suicide who have substance use concerns.
Reducing access to lethal means, such as firearms and medication, can determine whether a person at risk for suicide lives or dies. The SP/SUD course focuses on how to reduce access to the methods people use to kill themselves. It is primarily designed for mental health professionals, but others who work with people at risk for suicide—such as health care providers and social service professionals—would also benefit. The curriculum covers who needs lethal means counseling and how to collaborate with individuals at risk and their families to create safer environments by reducing access to lethal means.
Learning Objectives:

Identify who needs lethal means counseling.
Understand the intersection of substance use disorder and suicide risk.
Collaborate with individuals at risk and their families to reduce access to lethal methods.

Register here
For questions related to the training or registration, contact us at 412-383-3926 or chirdon@pitt.edu
Funded by the CDC’s Division of Injury Prevention.

Relaxation with Music at the Barrow
2025-01-18 18:00 - 19:00 | Barrow-Civic Theatre, 1223 Liberty St., Franklin, PA, 16323, United States
In-Person :: 1-hour :: Free Event
Unwind and recharge with an evening of relaxation and music at the Barrow-Civic Theatre. This calming event features soothing live music and mindfulness practices designed to help you de-stress and reconnect.

Perfect for individuals and families looking for a peaceful evening.
Relax in a supportive environment that fosters mental wellness.

Why It Matters:
Taking time for self-care is essential to mental health and well-being. This event is part of our commitment to fostering resilience and support within the community.
RSVP via email at Faublem2@upmc.edu or complete this online form to secure your spot.
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 award 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.

Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR)
2025-01-21 10:00 - 12:00
Virtual :: 2-hour :: Free CEUs for EMS, LSW, LCSW, LPC, LMFT (provided by UPMC)
Mental health professionals, health care providers, social service professionals, and general public community members
A virtual training on recognizing the warning signs of a suicide crisis and responding effectively.
QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) is a two-hour educational program designed to train people as “gatekeepers” to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and respond appropriately. A gatekeeper is someone who is in a position to recognize a crisis and identify when someone may be at risk of suicide. Gatekeepers can be parents, friends, teachers, coaches, ministers, doctors, nurses, supervisors, police officers, and more. The training provides practical steps to question someone about their intent, persuade them to seek help, and refer them to appropriate resources.
Note: Many QPR training sessions are followed by an optional, 1-hour Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM) training directly after the QPR session. You are encouraged to attend both trainings, but can opt for one or the other independently. Check the registration link below for availability.
Learning Objectives:

Recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis.
Effectively question someone about their desire or intent to die by suicide.
Persuade individuals to seek help and refer them to appropriate resources.

Register here
For questions related to the training or registration, contact us at 412-383-3926 or chirdon@pitt.edu
Funded by the CDC’s Division of Injury Prevention.

Drum Circle at the Barrow
2025-01-25 18:00 - 19:00

Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR)
2025-03-20 09:00 - 11:00
2 hours
This activity is approved for the following credit: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, ANCC, ASWB, and AAPA Category 1 CME.
Audience
This training is appropriate for mental health professionals, health care providers, social service professionals, and general community members.
Presented by Pitt PERU and UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor.
Description
This training empowers you to become an effective “gatekeeper”—someone who can recognize when an individual may be at risk and take immediate, appropriate action. The program centers on three key interventions:

Question: Initiate a compassionate conversation to explore the individual’s thoughts and feelings about suicide.
Persuade: Encourage the person to seek and accept professional help.
Refer: Connect the individual with the proper resources and support services.

By becoming a gatekeeper, you help bridge the gap between crisis and care. Given that suicide rates—especially in rural counties of Pennsylvania—exceed national averages, every community member plays a critical role in prevention. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, healthcare provider, or community leader, QPR provides you with the knowledge and tools to make a difference.
Participants will gain a clear understanding of suicide prevention techniques, be able to identify at-risk individuals, and learn how to effectively intervene and refer individuals to appropriate resources.
Learning Objectives

Recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis
Understand the connection between suicide and substance use disorders
Learn effective gatekeeper interventions (including questioning intent, persuading help-seeking, and referring to appropriate resources)
Empower individuals to support community suicide prevention initiatives.

Click here to register
Questions? Contact Chris at 412-383-3926 or chirdon@pitt.edu
Funded by the CDC’s Division of Injury Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov

Counseling on Access to Lethal Means Training (CALM)
2025-03-20 11:00 - 12:00
1 hour
This activity is approved for the following credit: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, ANCC, ASWB, and AAPA Category 1 CME.
Audience
This training is appropriate for mental health professionals, health care providers, social service professionals, and general public community members.
Presented by Pitt PERU and UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor.
Description
Reducing access to lethal means (e.g., firearms and medications) is a proven strategy that can determine whether a person at risk for suicide lives or dies. The CALM (Counseling on Access to Lethal Means) course focuses on providing participants with the tools and knowledge to reduce access to lethal methods. Designed primarily for mental health professionals, this one‑hour virtual training is also beneficial for health care providers, social service professionals, and anyone working with individuals at risk for suicide. The curriculum covers how to identify those who may benefit from lethal means counseling and offers practical guidance on collaborating with individuals and their families to create safer environments.
Participants will gain practical strategies to reduce access to lethal means, improve their ability to identify at‑risk individuals, and learn how to collaborate with families and communities to enhance safety.
Learning Objectives

Identify who needs lethal means counseling
Collaborate with individuals at risk and their families to reduce access to lethal methods.

Click here to register
Questions? Contact Chris at 412-383-3926 or chirdon@pitt.edu
Funded by the CDC’s Division of Injury Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov

Integrating Trauma Informed Care into Suicide Response (ITIC)
2025-03-26 10:00 - 11:00
1 hour
This activity is approved for the following credit: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, ANCC, ASWB, and AAPA Category 1 CME.
Audience
This training is appropriate for mental health professionals, health care providers, social service professionals, and general public community members.
Presented by Pitt PERU and UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor.
Description
The Integrating Trauma Informed Care into Suicide Response course describes the role of trauma in both risk for suicidal behaviors and in coping with suicide loss. The curriculum covers the SAMHSA principles of trauma-informed care and provides specific trauma-informed strategies to use with individuals at risk for suicide and survivors of suicide loss.
Participants will understand the role of trauma in suicide risk and coping with loss, be able to apply trauma-informed care principles, and use specific strategies to support survivors of suicide loss.
Learning Objectives

Understand the role of trauma in suicide risk
Learn the SAMHSA principles of trauma-informed care
Apply trauma-informed strategies when supporting survivors of suicide loss.

Click here to register
Questions? Contact Chris at 412-383-3926 or chirdon@pitt.edu
Funded by the CDC’s Division of Injury Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov

Join Team USO at the Pittsburgh Marathon!
2025-05-04
Make your miles matter by running with Team USO in the 2025 Pittsburgh Marathon! Join Team USO to guarantee your spot at a discounted entry fee while helping to raise critical support for active-duty service members, Veterans, and their families.
As a Team USO participant, you’ll receive exclusive perks, including:

A Team USO singlet to show your pride.
Mentorship from past Team USO Boston Marathon runners.
A chance to connect with a community of runners committed to making a difference.

Whether you’re tackling the half marathon, full marathon, relay, or 4-mile event, you’ll be part of something bigger than just crossing the finish line. Limited spots are available!
What’s it about?
Supporting Team USO isn’t just about running; it’s about helping to bridge the gap for those who serve. Funds raised through this event provide resources and programs that foster connection, resilience, and mental wellness for service members and their families. While this event is not affiliated with the Department of Defense, your participation directly supports the USO’s mission of creating a home away from home for those who sacrifice so much.
How to Join:
Interested in participating? Apply now by visiting our website and completing the application form by Friday, January 17, 2025.
bit.ly/PittMarathon2025
More information: https://pa.uso.org
Run with purpose, run for those who serve, and run with Team USO!

2025 Winter Wonderland: Clarion County Resource Fair
2025-12-02 16:30 - 18:30
In-Person :: 2-hour :: Free Family Event
A countywide resource fair at the Clarion Mall with family activities and giveaways: SANTA, dinner, bounce houses, free raffle, and balloon animals. Registration opens at mall entrances at 4:15 p.m. No income guidelines.
Many families of Veterans look for supportive community events heading into the holidays; this fair can help connect households with local resources and lighthearted stress relief.
Location:Clarion Mall
Schedule:

4:15 PM – Registration opens (mall entrances)
4:30 PM – 6:30 PM: Resource fair open
6:00 PM – Raffle drawing

More information:Email: heather.beshaw@uhsinc.com, dthorpe@family-psych.org, jbowser@anrinfo.org
Heads up: we’re sharing this as a courtesy for Veterans and their families who may find it useful. Details come from the organizer and can change; this listing isn’t managed by The Resilient Veteran.

Veterans Christmas Party
2025-12-14 14:00 - 18:00
In-Person :: 4-hour :: Free Event
Join us for an afternoon of camaraderie, food, desserts, and prizes at the West Middlesex VFW Post 6233. This event is hosted by the Community Action Partnership of Mercer County and the West Middlesex VFW.
All Veterans, spouses, and families are welcome to attend and celebrate the holiday season together in a spirit of community and appreciation.
Why It Matters:
Holidays can be difficult for many, especially Veterans and their families. This gathering offers connection, shared joy, and a reminder that no one celebrates alone. Events like these strengthen community ties and honor those who have served.
RSVP by December 5, 2025: Contact Lori Johnson, Director of Planning & Development, Community Action Partnership of Mercer County, at ljohnson@capmercer.org or call 724-979-2276.
Location: West Middlesex VFW Post 6233, 3747 New Castle Road, West Middlesex, PA 16159.
