Centering Equity, Engaging Communities, Transforming Systems
2022-02-17 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
This installment in the Equity in Action webinar series will provide an overview of how SAMHSA’s SMVF TA Center and the MacArthur Foundation’s Safety and Justice Challenge’s criminal justice team is working to center racial equity in our local justice reform efforts. Through our technical assistance with a network of implementing and innovating local sites, we aim to collectively play a role in addressing racial and ethnic disparities and build our own capacity to be champions of racial equity.

As the Safety and Justice Challenge invests in local justice systems that advance racial equity and justice through the pursuit of anti-racist jail reduction policies and practices, this webinar will feature several jurisdictions that have made great strides in centering racial equity in their work.

The Safety and Justice Challenge Network fosters an inclusive and restorative definition of safety that prioritizes the dignity of all those involved, honors the expertise of directly impacted communities, and believes together, across sectors and communities, we can achieve transformational change so that all people have what they need to thrive.

Our panelists will show how their respective jurisdictions have engaged in this pursuit of transformational change from an intersectional perspective, to achieve equitable outcomes for all people, thereby prioritizing a focus on people of color.

Centering Equity, Engaging Communities, Transforming Systems
2022-03-10 15:00 - 16:30
MacArthur SJC: Centering Equity, Engaging Communities, Transforming Systems

March 10, 2022, 3:00-4:30 p.m. ET

The goal of the MacArthur Foundation’s Safety and Justice Challenge’s criminal justice team is to center racial equity in our local justice reform efforts. Through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF) TA Center there is a network for implementing and innovating local sites that collectively play a role in addressing racial and ethnic disparities and build our own capacity to be champions of racial equity.

As the Safety and Justice Challenge invests in local justice systems that advance racial equity and justice through the pursuit of anti-racist jail reduction policies and practices, this webinar will feature several jurisdictions that have made great strides in centering racial equity in their work.

The Safety and Justice Challenge Network fosters an inclusive and restorative definition of safety that prioritizes the dignity of all those involved, honors the expertise of directly impacted communities, and believes together, across sectors and communities, we can achieve transformational change so that all people have what they need to thrive.

Our panelists will show how their respective jurisdictions have engaged in this pursuit of transformational change from an intersectional perspective, to achieve equitable outcomes for all people, thereby prioritizing a focus on people of color.
Register online.

Veteran Suicide Prevention: DMVA 2022 Virtual Veteran Town Hall Series
2022-03-16 17:00 - 18:30
The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) is pleased to announce its 2022 Virtual Veteran Town Hall Series. The Series will provide the commonwealth’s nearly 800,000 veterans with a convenient platform to learn and ask questions about programs and benefits earned through their military service.
The first of the five virtual Town Halls will take place from 5-6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 16, by WebEx. The topic will be veteran suicide prevention, with a focus on the support and resources available to veterans throughout the commonwealth.
Presenters for this first event will be Brig. Gen. (PA) Maureen Weigl, DMVA deputy adjutant general for Veterans Affairs; and Rick Hamp of DMVA, Pennsylvania’s lead for the federal Veterans Administration – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans and Their Families.
“Veterans often have questions about the benefits they earned through their service to our nation, and the DMVA wants to make it easy for them to get answers,” said Joel Mutschler, DMVA director of the Bureau of Veterans Programs, Initiatives, Reintegration, and Outreach (PIRO). “This 2022 Town Hall Series will address topics that speak to the challenges many veterans are facing every day, while providing the solutions they are looking for. It’s our intent to host these events to better inform and assist our veterans and their families.”
The following are the dates, times and topics for the 2022 Virtual Veteran Town Hall Series:

March 16, 2022, 5-6:30 p.m. – Veteran Suicide Prevention
May 18, 2022, 5-6:30 p.m. – Serving Older Veterans
July 13, 2022, 5-6:30 p.m. – Resources for Homeless Veterans
Sept. 14, 2022, 5-6:30 p.m. – Transportation Issues Facing Veterans
Nov. 2, 2022, 5-6:30 p.m. – Honoring Veterans for Their Service and Sacrifice

Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions of the presenters live during the WebEx through the chat feature.
Learn more about how to register at the DMVA website.
MEDIA CONTACT: Joseph Butera – jobutera@pa.gov

Leveraging SAMHSA SMVF Technical Assistance to Improve Systems
2022-03-17 15:00 - 16:30
Leveraging SAMHSA SMVF Technical Assistance to Improve Systems

March 17, 2022, 3:00-4:30 p.m. ET

This installment in the Equity in Action webinar series will provide an overview of how SAMHSA’s SMVF TA Center can help ensure equity in state programs by providing education to and increasing awareness among TA recipients around the following topics:

Engaging special populations (American Indian/Alaska Native Veterans, Behavioral Health Supports for Veterans in Rural Areas, Families and Caregivers of Veterans, Women Veterans, Aging Veterans, Black and Hispanic Veterans, and Veterans from LGBTQ Communities)
Applying a health equity lens to identify and address social determinants of health (SDOH), as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles when working with members of the SMVF population
Making use of the SAMHSA SMVF TA Center Special Populations webpage

This webinar will also offer a unique opportunity to discuss challenges and pose questions about the SDOH and DEI issues that may impact wellbeing among the SMVF population. Research suggests adverse SDOH are strong predictors of suicide risk.* In light of this, this installment in the webinar series will explore unique characteristics of special populations, ways to raise awareness to better serve these populations utilizing DEI principles, and innovative strategies to enhance state and local suicide prevention efforts by including a focus on equity to positively impact the SMVF community. Every member of the SMVF community is unique. At the SMVF TA Center the importance of addressing the diverse needs of SMVF is understood, valued, and reflected in the work. A special populations website demonstrating this effort, developed to assist and guide those who are engaged with different populations of the SMVF community, will be explored.
Register online.

Aligning the Field Around a 988 Messaging Framework
2022-03-22 14:00 - 15:00
Tuesday, March 22, 2022 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET
Register online.
In July 2022, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-8255) will transition to 988—an easy to remember three-digit dialing, texting, and chat code for anyone experiencing a suicidal or mental health crisis. To help public messengers—including state agencies, crisis centers, non-profit organizations, businesses, foundations, and others—in determining when and how to best communicate about 988, the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention (Action Alliance), is releasing a 988 Messaging Framework next month. Developed in collaboration with a 988 Messaging Task Force co-led by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and Vibrant Emotional Health (operational home of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline), the 988 Messaging Framework will serve as a roadmap of key elements to consider when planning a messaging strategy around the transition to 988. This resource provides general guidance to the field around when and how to develop public messages about 988 and is not intended to provide tailored, audience-specific, ready-to-use messaging.
Join the Action Alliance on March 22 at 2:00 p.m. ET for a free webinar—Aligning the Field Around a 988 Messaging Framework—to learn more about this new resource and how you can use it to guide your public messaging efforts. During this hour-long webinar, participants will:
· Learn how to utilize the 988 Messaging Framework to inform strategic messaging efforts ahead of and following the nationwide transition to 988 in July 2022.
· Have an opportunity to hear directly from the national leads of 988—SAMHSA and Vibrant Emotional Health—about 988 implementation and communications and the importance of aligned messaging across the field.
Panelists for the webinar include:
· Ms. Kim Torguson, Director of Engagement & Communications, National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, Education Development Center (moderator)
· Mr. Mark Custer, Director, Reingold
· Dr. John Draper, Director, National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, Vibrant Emotional Health
· Ms. Kate Galatas, Public Sector Co-Lead, 988 Messaging Task Force, and Chief 988 Communications & Engagement Officer, SAMHSA
· Dr. John Palmieri, Acting Director of 988, SAMHSA
The Action Alliance thanks Executive Committee (EXCOM) partner Johnson & Johnson—Janssen for providing support for the development of the 988 Messaging Framework.

Leveraging SAMHSA SOAR Technical Assistance to Improve Systems
2022-03-24 15:00 - 16:30
Leveraging SAMHSA SOAR Technical Assistance to Improve Systems

March 24, 2022, 3:00-4:30 p.m. ET

The SAMHSA SOAR TA Center has worked to address the barriers to equity in SOAR implementation with the development of resources, tools, and training. For this webinar, SOAR Leaders will discuss how these resources have been used to promote equity and reduce the impact of implicit basis in the implementation of SOAR work within their agencies. SOAR State Leads will discuss the integration of resources in their work and steps they have taken to ensure that diverse groups are equitably accessing services. Panelists will also share how community demographics (race, ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual orientation, and justice involvement) impact access to SOAR programs and present strategies for recognizing and reaching individuals that are underserved. SAMHSA SOAR TA Center staff will share a brief summary of the equity-focused SOAR products and tools designed to support SOAR initiatives in their efforts to achieve equity and inclusion in program access and participation. Finally, staff of the SAMHSA-funded Homeless and Housing Resource Center (HHRC) will share how equity is integrated into their resources and trainings for housing and health professionals.
Register online.

Serving Older Adults with Substance Use Disorders
2022-04-13 09:00 - 11:00
Serving Older Adults with Substance Use Disorders
Older Adults with SUD

This two-hour event is co-sponsored by:

The Program Evaluation and Research Unit (PERU)
The Pitt Social Work Coalition for Opioid and Addictions Leadership (COAL)
The Hartford Partnership Program on Aging Education (HPPAE)

Registration is now open for “Serving Older Adults with Substance Use Disorders” on April 13th from 9:00-11:00 AM (On Zoom).
Click the link to register: https://pitt.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5BIwpNMm10VP1EW

Psychological Impacts of Transition for Military Service Members
2022-04-21 14:00 - 15:30
Date: April 21, 2022Time: 2:00–3:30 p.m. ET
Register Online

Around 200,000 service members transition to civilian life each year, according to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). As we have seen after the military drawdown in Afghanistan and Iraq in recent years, reintegration is currently affecting thousands of military families. Reintegration is an important process to understand in terms of its effects on families, couple relationships, parenting roles, mental and emotional health, and impacts on the larger civilian and military communities. Transitioning military service members who could benefit from mental health treatment may not seek treatment voluntarily. To completely address the needs of transitioning military service members, treatments and services must consider the wide array of challenges that service members may face when reintegrating into civilian life. Most Veterans experience high levels of stress in their transition back to civilian life. This webinar will shed light on factors contributing to transition stress, issues with role changes, lack of purpose and shared experience, and stigma surrounding mental health diagnoses.

This 1.5-hour webinar will provide a framework for transitioning service members and their families to better navigate the behavioral health resources and services they are eligible to receive. We will discuss strategies for improving access and best practices in treatment and services. Participants will discover tools and resources available to promote these strategies and make an impact in their local communities.
Presenters

Stacey Owens, M.S.W., LCSW-C, Military and Veterans Affairs Liaison, Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Colonel Carl Andrew Castro, Ph.D., USA, Ret., Professor of Social Work and Psychology, Director, Military and Veteran Programs, Suzanne Sworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California
George A. Bonanno, Ph.D., Professor of Clinical Psychology, Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University
Colonel Denise “Deno” Cooper, Ph.D., USAF, Ret.

Learning Objectives

Define the issue by providing relevant and timely data on the reintegration of service members and the psychological and behavioral impacts of military service
Highlight key factors contributing to transition stress among service members, their families, and the broader civilian and military communities
Illustrate the effects of mental health stigma on transitioning service members seeking treatment and support, and provide key approaches and best practices to address mental and emotional health
Demonstrate concrete strategies for supporting our service members as they navigate the behavioral health system and employment opportunities, and reestablish family roles
Provide examples of best practices and systems of support and services in place for the behavioral health needs of transitioning service members, focused on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and beyond
Discuss strategies for community providers to improve access and sustained engagement in behavioral health services

Facilitating the Integration of Firearm Injury Prevention into Healthcare
2022-04-25 12:00 - 17:00
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine will host a free, virtual workshop on April 25, 2022, 12:00 PM-5:15 PM ET exploring how firearm injury and mortality prevention can be integrated into routine care in health systems. The workshop will include discussion about the current evidence on strategies for prevention. It will also explore what we have learned about facilitators and barriers to implementation of strategies, and how health systems might work to overcome those barriers to improve the health of patients and communities.
Topics covered will be:

Framing of the issue: Firearm Injuries and Healthcare’s Role in Depolarizing A Public Health Crisis
Healthcare Strategies to Reduce Firearm Injury and Mortality
Barriers and Facilitators to Implementing Hospital-Based Firearm Injury Prevention Strategies in Urban and Rural Communities
Collaborating with Community to Improve Healthcare System Implementation Success and Destigmatize Gun Violence Prevention
Defining a Firearms Violence Prevention Roadmap for Hospitals and Health Systems

This free workshop is sponsored by Northwell Health. To view the draft agenda and more information about this event, please visit their website.
Register for the workshop on Eventbrite.

Westmoreland County Veterans Conference 2022
2022-05-12 08:30 - 17:00
Calling all Professionals who work with Veterans!
Come learn about resources for Veterans and hear from our Keynote Speaker, Brandon Rumbaugh!
Please download a pdf of the event and share with your networks.
May 12, 2022
8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Westmoreland County Community College-Student Achievement Center
6 Social Work and PCB Credits-Pending are being offered
Vendor Tables with Veteran Resources
Please register online to attend this event.

Erie VA Virtual Moral Injury and Suicide Prevention Seminar
2022-05-12 10:00 - 12:00
The Erie VA Medical Center Chaplain Service invites regional clergy, spiritual workers, and lay leaders with a passion for Veterans to participate in its Virtual Moral Injury and Suicide Prevention Seminar.
Presenters Dr. J. Irene Harris (nationally recognized expert in the treatment of Moral Injury) and Brandon Wiley, LPC will aid participants in:
• Understanding suicide prevention and moral injury
• Recognizing traits of suicide risk and spiritual distress
• Identifying paths for wellness and spiritual strengths to help Veterans cope
The Department of Veterans Affairs defines moral injury as:
• In traumatic or unusually stressful circumstances, people may perpetrate, fail to prevent, or witness events that contradict deeply held moral beliefs and expectations
• The distressing psychological, behavioral, social, and sometimes spiritual aftermath of exposure to such events
• Moral injury can occur in response to acting or witnessing behaviors that go against an individual’s values and moral beliefs
Please join us for this important first step in providing vital care and support to Veterans.
The first ten registrants who attend the entire seminar will receive a $25 gift card donated by the Erie VA Behavioral Health Council.
Register online through EventBrite.

2022 VA Research Symposium
2022-05-20 14:00 - 16:00
In observance of National VA Research Week, VA’s Office of Research and Development is hosting an online symposium to highlight the work of four groundbreaking VA investigators. Each has been recognized for outstanding research that has advanced knowledge in their fields and improved the lives of Veterans and others. The awardees are Dr. Leigh Hochberg, VA Providence Health Care System; Dr. Louis Dell’Italia, Birmingham VA Health Care System; Dr. Donna Washington, Greater Los Angeles Health Care System; and Dr. Robert Bonomo, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center.
Register online to attend this free, virtual event.

PA CARES Training Summit 2022
2022-05-24 08:00 - 12:00
PA CARES Training Summit 2022
This event was planned in collaboration with the PA Cares Military Task Force.
Date: May 24, 2022
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
This half day training event will focus on considerations that are needed to promote wellness within the lives of service members, veterans, and their families. Selected topics include: military culture, veteran wellness, veteran program funding and benefits, Guard/Reservist support programs, resources available for the SM/Veteran population reviewed through an interactive panel dialogue, and federal, state, county and community programs. The audience will have opportunities to engage presenters throughout the session. As a result of this training, the participants will be able to:

Distinguish and identify military culture nuances that will promote a better rapport when providing services to the SM/Veteran population.
Recognize various challenges faced by active, reserve and guard service members when seeking benefits and resources across Pennsylvania.
Discuss mental health/behavioral health challenges, programs and resources offered by the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs, PA Dept. of Military and Veterans Affairs, as well as other state and local agencies, and the advocacy efforts to promote wellness and coordination of services.
Describe PA VET Connect resource program, the Veteran Trust Fund, grant application process, and examples of recipients/resources provided.
Describe PA National Guard psychological programs, resources and procedures, to support Guard, and Reservists throughout their careers.
List and identify county, state, and federal programs and resources available to Pennsylvania’s SM/Veteran population and their families.

Attendance and completion certificates will be awarded in the amount of 4.0 hours.
You must set up a TRAIN PA account to register. Once you have logged in, the event can be found at https://www.train.org/pa/course/1102371/live_event
No registrations accepted after May 19, 2022.
No registrations accepted by phone.
Registrations are limited to the first 300 applicants.
Download the flyer for more information.

Suicide Research Symposium
2022-06-16 - 2022-06-17
The inaugural Suicide Research Symposium (SRS) will take place on June 16–17, 2022. The SRS will be free and take place virtually.
We envision this being a place where you have the opportunity to:

Present recent research findings

Stay informed on recent developments in suicide research

Network, connect, and find a community with other suicide researchers

Sessions take place between 11 am and 6 pm EST. The full schedule of speakers can be found online on the SRS 2022 website.

Google VetNet Career Week
2022-06-21 - 2022-06-23
The Google Veterans Network (VetNet) is proud to present the 2nd annual Google VetNet Career Week, a virtual three-day event offering veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses/partners the tools, support, and advice needed to establish and advance your career. This year, VetNet has also partnered with Welcome.US to extend Career Week to those seeking refuge here.

The three day program will include panels providing an overview of specific job functions and industries found in corporate society today, exclusive fireside chats between executive leaders from Google and partner companies, free skill building sessions, and the opportunity for a 1:1 personal resume review with a Googler.

Whether you’re just beginning your journey or have been in the corporate workforce for years, Google’s VetNet Career Week aims to provide useful networking, learning lessons, and tactical career advice for all.

Visit the VetNet website to see the full schedule of events for each day and register to attend.

Tuesday, June 21: Find the Right Job for You
Are you curious about what role is right for you given your interests, experience, and skills? Watch these panels to receive insight into the day-to-day responsibilities of different functions directly from those who are in the roles. Feel free to hop around to different sessions to hear the various experiences of the panelists.

Wednesday, June 22: Find the Right Industry For You
Are you wondering about which industry is best for you or are you thinking of making a switch? Listen to panelists from different companies speak about their experience in a specific industry, how they broke in, and what it’s like to work in the space. There are three Industry Deep Dive Panels occurring in each hour – attend the one that appeals to you, or feel free to hop around to different tracks to hear the various journeys of the panelists.

Thursday, June 23: Applying What You Learned
Free Training Sessions Available
Apply what you have learned throughout the week with learning sessions below, focused on Transitioning Programs, Networking + Interviewing, and Job Specific Skills. Please select one of the below session per time block to attend & click the sign up link. Please note that we have a maximum of 500 attendees in each session so if you sign up, we expect you to attend.

Increasing Awareness of Suicide Among Women Veterans
2022-06-23 12:00 - 15:00
Increasing Awareness of Suicide among Women Veterans: Coming Together to Make a Difference
Thursday, June 23rd 2022 from 10:00 am-1:00 pm MST (Virtual)
Women Veterans are an underserved and often overlooked population. Suicide among Women Veterans is a growing problem, and suicide by firearm has increased substantially in this population. Join us to learn about suicide risk and prevention among women Veterans. Various organizations within the community will be present.
Sponsored by the Rocky Mountain MIRECC and the University of Colorado

Ending Veteran Homelessness: The Landscape Today
2022-06-28 08:00 - 17:00
Registration Deadline: July 1, 2022*

Since 2010, the number of Veterans experiencing homelessness in the United States has been cut almost in half, from 74,087 in 2010 to 37,252 in 2020. Despite the overall decrease in Veteran homelessness, data shows that progress has stalled since 2016. This learning community will explore lessons from the past and center on policy and practice solutions that work. Participants will deepen their understanding of risk and protective factors for Veteran homelessness and of innovative solutions for our most underserved communities. And finally, participants will discover resources available to prevent and end Veteran homelessness.

*Registration is limited to the first 100 registrants. Register online to attend.

Session 1: Learning from the Past, Looking to the Future

Date: July 14, 2022, 2:00-3:30 p.m. ET

Objectives

Explore national trends in Veteran homelessness
Describe risk and protective factors unique to the Veteran population
Identify federal homeless programs and resources available
Review national priorities for ending Veteran homelessness

Presenters

Jack Tsai, PhD, Director of Research, National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
John Kuhn, MPH, LCSW, National Director, Supportive Services for Veteran Families, VA

Session 2: Policy Solutions for Underserved Communities

Date: July 28, 2022, 2:00-3:30 p.m. ET

Objectives

Illustrate the needs of underserved Veterans experiencing homelessness
Describe the implementation of racial equity in Veterans Health Administration (VHA) homeless programs
Highlight plans for a pilot of enhanced services to enable Veterans to age in place

Presenters
Implementing Racial Equity in VHA Homeless Programs

Shawn Liu, LCSW, VHA-CM, Community Engagement Coordinator, Homeless Programs Office, VHA, VA
Anthony Love, MA, Senior Advisor and Director of Community Engagement Homeless Programs Office, VHA, VA

Aging in Place: Veteran Support to Self-Reliance Pilot Program

Amy Fairweather, JD, Director of Policy, Swords to Plowshares

Session 3: Innovative Solutions: How to Engage, How to House, How to Sustain

Date: August 11, 2022, 2:00-3:30 p.m. ET

Objectives

Explore innovative housing solutions for Veterans experiencing homelessness
Identify effective strategies for engaging and housing Veterans
Describe how a holistic approach can provide a sustainable model for housing Veterans and increasing their overall health and well-being

Presenters
VCP Village: Built by Veterans for Veterans

Vincent Morales, Co-founder, Veterans Community Project

A Holistic Approach to Community Integration

Dylan Tête, Executive Director and Founder, Bastion Community of Resilience

Advance Cultural Competence for Clinical Work with Service Members & Veterans: Panel Discussion
2022-07-19 13:00 - 15:00
This virtual panel discussion includes multidisciplinary behavioral health clinicians, who are also Veterans, and aims to provide an opportunity to discuss advanced topics regarding key cultural factors central to clinical work with Veterans and Service Members.
Tuesday, July 19, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM PDT

How to Access, Collect, and Use Data to Support Suicide Prevention Efforts
2022-07-19 14:00 - 15:00
How to Access, Collect, and Use Data to Support Suicide Prevention Efforts

Date: July 19, 2022Time: 2:00–3:00 p.m. ET

The purpose of this session is to provide real-time walkthroughs that address the two key series topics to support your suicide prevention efforts: 1) accessing and using datasets and 2) building measurement into your strategies. Presenters will demonstrate how to access and best utilize a few highly versatile public datasets. They will also describe the components needed when applying for data that is proprietary or only available upon request. Then, presenters will give examples of what a measurement plan could look like when applied to an actual Governor’s Challenge strategy. Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions to ensure they receive the practical tools needed to take the next step in finding and using data in their work.

Presenters

Rosalinda Maury, Director of Applied Research and Analytics, D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University
Gilly Cantor, Director of Evaluation and Capacity Building, D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University

Objectives

Instruct on where and how to get to a few commonly used public datasets
Explore methods for using those datasets
Provide instructions for putting together successful requests for data
Share an approach that can be adapted for your own Governor’s Challenge strategies
Open a dialogue for questions and problem-solving

Visit the registration page to sign-up and get the meeting link.

How to Access, Collect, and Use Data to Support Suicide Prevention Efforts
2022-07-26 14:00 - 15:00
How to Access, Collect, and Use Data to Support Suicide Prevention Efforts

Date: July 26, 2022Time: 2:00–3:00 p.m. ET

During this session, participants will have the opportunity to hear from two states participating in the Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among SMVF. Representatives from Governor’s Challenge teams will describe how they used data in their respective strategies, including what worked and what they would do differently. Participants will be able to ask questions to help with their own efforts.

Presenters

Jason Hughes, Program Manager, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation
Amy M. Cook, Administrator, Division of Community Based Military Programs, New Hampshire Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services

Objectives

Review how the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) and the Ohio Governor’s Challenge team tracks Veteran-related suicide prevention data directly associated with Strategy 4 of the Suicide Prevention Plan for Ohio (2020-2022). Explore methods for using those datasets
Discuss New Hampshire’s data collection efforts
Discuss how New Hampshire is intentionally changing the approach based on lessons learned
Open a dialogue for questions and problem-solving

Visit the registration page to sign-up and get the meeting link.

Suicide Prevention in Veterans With Substance Use Disorders
2022-08-10 14:00 - 17:00
This live, knowledge-based webinar will address challenges in assessing individuals with concurrent substance use and suicide risk, and it will offer treatment recommendations.

Date: Aug. 10 at 2 p.m. ET
Location: VHA TRAIN
Access Links: Non-VA employees click here. VA employees click here.
Audience: Physicians, nurses, counselors, psychologists, social workers and pharmacists
Modality: Virtual conference (webinar)
Credit/hours: 1
Accreditations: ACCME, ACCME-NP, ACPE, ANCC, APA, ASWB, JAIPCE, NBCC, NYSED-P, NYSED SW
Questions?: If you require assistance, please contact the VHA TRAIN Help Desk by email at VHATRAIN@va.gov.

2022 Suicide Prevention Summit | Mental Health Academy
2022-08-19 - 2022-08-21
Mental Health Academy’s 2022 Suicide Prevention Summit | Mental Health Academy

Mental Health Academy (MHA) are collaborating with the American Counseling Association (ACA), American Association of Suicidology (AAS), National Board for Certified Counselors & Associates (NBCC) and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) to bring you the 2022 Suicide Prevention Summit.
The purpose of this Summit is to equip practicing mental health professionals with the most up-to-date, advanced knowledge and treatment options on suicide prevention. To achieve that, we’ve assembled 13 highly respected experts on suicide into one online specialized Summit.

Over 3 days, August 19-21, you’ll have free access to all Summit sessions, live (via webinar). You will then have on-demand streaming access to video recordings (see registration form below for further details).
One of the most powerful resources we have to reduce suicide is our frontline mental health workforce. We believe that by providing mental health practitioners with global best-practice know-how and skills, we can tangibly reduce suicide rates in North America and the world.
We see our role as bringing global best-practice education to practitioners. Your role is taking the time to learn and apply. As we endeavor to save valuable lives, we look forward to seeing you at the online 2022 Suicide Prevention Summit.
Registration is FREE.

Reach Out: You Are Not Alone Symposium
2022-09-08 13:00 - 14:30
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Outreach, Transition and Economic Development (OTED)
Welcomes you to Join the
Virtual Veteran Suicide Prevention Symposium: Reach out, You Are Not Alone
September 8 1:00 – 2:30pm EDT
Select the Link to Join:
https://veteransaffairs.webex.com/veteransaffairs/ j.php?MTID=mdbd132dc80ebf2b387e595e3045b983b
Join by Phone: 1-404-397-1596
Webinar Password: [REDACTED] (96763978 from phones)
Access Code: 276 177 23283

Hell or High Seas Screening & Panel Discussion
2022-09-08 18:00 - 21:00
Screening and panel discussion in recognition of Suicide Awareness Month. A moving portrait of a Veteran using his own painful journey with PTSD to find healing. Panel discussion moderated by program implementation specialist, Lee Wagner.

Thursday, September 8, 6 PM – 9 PM
William Pitt Union
3959 5th Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA
Screening is free and open to the public. Register online to attend.
A virtual screening will also be available.

Integrating Public and Ecosystem Health Systems to Foster Resilience
2022-09-19 11:00 - 15:00
Integrating Public and Ecosystem Health Systems to Foster Resilience: A Workshop to Identify Research to Bridge the Knowledge-To-Action Gap

About this event

September 19, 11:00 am-3:30 pm EDT virtual

This workshop will bring together research, practitioner, and policy communities along with other stakeholders to explore opportunities to advance understanding of the interconnections between public health and Nature and discuss how to move from knowledge to action through better integration of knowledge, policy, and practice.
This workshop will consider the strengths and lessons learned from existing activities focused on the integration of public health and Nature research. It will also explore how we can advance integration through new and emerging cross-cutting research areas and develop solutions that inform policy and practice while promoting equity, justice, and resilience. Building on these discussions, workshop participants will consider how to develop a new research agenda that harnesses existing knowledge and new advancements and more effectively promotes the translation of this information into policy and practice.
Learn more and register online.

Erie VAMC Mental Health Summit 2022
2022-09-27 08:30 - 12:00
When:

Tue. Sep 27, 2022, 8:30 am – 12:00 pm ET

Where:
This is an online event.

Cost:
Free

Join Erie VA Medical Center, along with representatives from the Pittsburgh VAMC-UD, VA Butler Healthcare System, and the Erie County Office of Drug and Alcohol Abuse as they present crisis management and suicide prevention education to Veterans, family members, and community stakeholders.
Topics of discussion to include:

Widespread use of substances in the Veteran population
The increase in substance abuse related deaths since 2020
The correlating statistics of substance abuse and suicidality, including the higher likelihood of suicide attempts
Referral, admission, and contact procedures for the Substance Abuse programs at the Erie VA; the Butler Domiciliary, and the Pittsburgh Center for the Treatment of Drug and Alcohol Abuse
Services offered at the Erie County Office of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, including trends seen by this office

Register by phone or email:
814-860-2403 | Anne.Rill@va.gov

Coaching Into Care – Role of Veterans Family Members and Friends in Mental Health Care
2022-10-05 11:00 - 12:30
Coaching Into Care – Role of Veterans Family Members and Friends in Mental Health Care
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM EST

Where
Virtual Webinar
Start Time by Time Zones:
8:00 am – Pacific / Arizona
9:00 am – Mountain
10:00 am – Central
11:00 am – Eastern

Contact
Katie E. Civiletto Stenger
Summit BHC Tactical Recovery
716-673-5017 katie.stenger@summitbhc.com

Presented By:
Cindy Swinkels, Ph. D., CBSM, DBSM

11th Annual National LOSS Team Conference
2022-10-16 08:00 - 2022-10-18 17:00
The Annual National LOSS (Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors) Team Conference is a multi-dimensional, multi-day event that actively explores the public health crisis of suicide. It includes community engagement, nationally recognized subject experts, and strategic conference topics, creating a unique opportunity for mental health professionals, first responders, school counselors, faith leaders, funeral directors, suicide loss survivors, LOSS Team members, and other community members to share and learn about caring for those struggling with a loss to suicide.

This year’s conference theme is ‘Postvention is Prevention’. Developing a LOSS Team and integrating it into a community provides immediate support and resources to persons who have lost a loved one, friend, or colleague to suicide. LOSS Teams engage in advanced postvention efforts that take place immediately following a death by suicide and provide services, support, and linkage to the suicidally bereaved. Regrettably, in many communities there is no organized response to local suicides, which can leave survivors to feel isolated, guilty, or ashamed as they attempt to find a path forward. The bereaved may struggle for long periods of time before seeking or receiving help. LOSS Teams can change that. Research shows that families touched by suicide that do not receive initial services by a LOSS Team will wait many years before reaching out for help.

The ONSITE conference registration fee includes the following:

Admittance to all 4 keynote speakers
Admittance to 5 workshops
CEUs*
Breakfast, lunch, and snacks for both conference days
Optional evening excursion: Trolley ride to downtown Fort Wayne

The VIRTUAL conference registration fee includes the following:

Admittance to all 4 keynote speakers
Admittance to one workshop from each track
LOSS panel
LOSS Team panel

*Continuing education hours are available for conference attendees and are included in the registration fee. Certificates are awarded by Purdue University Fort Wayne and will be emailed after the conference.

Visit the conference website for full details and registration.

How States and Communities Can Better Support Military and Veteran Caregivers
2022-12-13 14:00 - 15:30
Date: Three-part series: December 13, 2022; January 12, 2023; February 9, 2023Time: 2:00–3:30 p.m. ET
Register Online

Session 1 – The Future of Caregiving: A Path for the Way Forward

Part 1: Tuesday, December 13, 2022, 2:00-3:30 p.m. ET

Learning Objectives

Describe what we know about the caregiver population, which includes not only spouses but also children, grandparents, siblings, neighbors, and friends
Review the recently released National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers
Examine the latest research and national trends on military and Veteran caregivers

Presenter

Roxana Delgado, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, UT Health San Antonio; Research Advisor to the Campaign for Inclusive Care, Dole Caregiver Fellow Alumna, Elizabeth Dole Foundation

With over 5.5 million military and Veteran caregivers in the United States, the implementation of the newly released National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers is a critical step forward for those caring for our Nation’s wounded, ill, and injured service members and Veterans. Caregivers consistently experience worse health outcomes, greater challenges in family relationships, and increased difficulties in the workplace than non-caregivers. Military and Veteran caregivers are unique in that they tend to be younger and serve in caregiver roles longer than their civilian counterparts.

This learning community will provide participants an opportunity to learn in a small group and interactive setting. The objectives of this learning community are to (1) Discover a framework for supporting military and Veteran caregivers, (2) Examine how both paid and informal caregivers can be recognized and valued in the continuum of care, and (3) Identify resources available that are specifically tailored for military and Veteran caregivers.

The learning community will meet monthly for three sessions beginning in December 2022 via Zoom. Each session will feature an expert presentation with engaging group discussion incorporated throughout.

Acupuncture & Pain Management for Veteran Clients with Physical Symptoms of PTSD and Chronic Pain
2022-12-16 11:00 - 13:00
Acupuncture & Pain Management for Veteran Clients with Physical Symptoms of PTSD and Chronic Pain
December 16, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm EST
The course will be about introducing alternative options for physical symptoms related to PTSD such as insomnia, nightmares, chronic pain, and fatigue. It will include detailed information on modalities to help manage these symptoms for better engagement in clinical services.
