Recovery is Community: Differential Diagnosis with Complaints of Attention Problems
2023-02-10 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Presented by Lisa May, Ph.D.
This presentation will review common differential diagnoses and symptom presentation for attention/focus patient complaints.
Learning Objectives – Participants will be able to:

·Identify common differential diagnoses when presented with patient complaint of attention problems.
·Identify some common screening tools that could be used to assist with diagnosis.
·Identify when referral for neuropsychological evaluation is recommended to assist with diagnosis.

FREE. Register online.
Free CE credit of 1.0 hour for AMA, ANCC, and LSW/LCW/LPC/LMFT will be offered to those who attend.
Requirements include attendance for the duration of the session and completion of a course evaluation provided at the end of the session.
ACCREDITATION
In support of improving patient care the University of Pittsburgh is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the health care team.
PHYSICIAN (CME)
The University of Pittsburgh designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
SOCIAL WORK (CEU)
Mercyhurst University’s Department of Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and is an approved provider of Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapist and Professional Counselor continuing education by the Pennsylvania State Licensing Board.

Recovery is Community: The PA Statewide Tobacco-Free Recovery Initiative
2023-02-21 12:00 - 13:00
Tuesday, Feb 21 • 12 pm to 1 pm
FREE. Register online.
Presented by Tony Klein, MPA, NCACII, & Katie Gassner, CTTS
Pennsylvanians who enter recovery from mental and substance use disorders deserve the best care possible. Over the years, we’ve learned that people who are offered evidenced-based tobacco interventions while in treatment for other addictions have better overall treatment outcomes compared to those who do not. Despite this understanding, tobacco use is often overlooked in the treatment setting and smoking remains a prime form of socialization in the recovering community. This training provides an overview of the Pennsylvania Statewide Tobacco-Free Recovery Initiative. Advancing a new normal supportive of tobacco interventions is achieved through an integrated, data-driven systems approach, community partnerships, and a strength-based, recovery-oriented perspective.
Learning Objectives – Participant will be able to:

Define the PA Statewide Tobacco-Free Recovery Initiative’s vision and mission.
Cite three strategies to advance evidence-based tobacco use disorder interventions within a recovery-oriented framework.

Free CE credit of 1.0 hour for AMA, ANCC, and LSW/LCW/LPC/LMFT will be offered to those who attend.
Requirements include attendance for the duration of the session and completion of a course evaluation provided at the end of the session.
ACCREDITATION
In support of improving patient care the University of Pittsburgh is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the health care team.
PHYSICIAN (CME)
The University of Pittsburgh designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
SOCIAL WORK (CEU)
Mercyhurst University’s Department of Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and is an approved provider of Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapist and Professional Counselor continuing education by the Pennsylvania State Licensing Board.

Caring for Veterans in Crisis: First Responder Summit
2023-02-22 08:30 - 12:00
FIRST RESPONDER SUMMIT
Caring for Veterans in Crisis
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
8:30 a.m. – Noon | Registration 8:00 a.m.
Blasco Library
Hirt Auditorium
160 East Front Street, Erie, PA 16507
Erie VA Medical Center Behavioral Health Clinic and the Erie County Department of Veterans Affairs invite front line workers, police, fire and rescue, and EMTS participate in our First Responder Summit.
Presenters will share best practices to assist and treat Veterans in:
• Suicide Prevention
• Homeless Care
• Substance Use Disorder
Attendees will also receive information on resources and programs available to assist Veterans with:
• VA’s Whole Health Program – complimentary alternative medicine
• PACT Act Claims – navigating expanded VA health care
• Compensated Work Therapy – Additional employment resources
Speakers will discuss best practices for assisting and treating Veterans in need.
Register by February 21. Contact Jason Brown
at 814-860-2023 or jason.brown10@va.gov

QPR Training
2023-02-28 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.
Tuesday, February 28, 20232:00 – 4:00 PMHosted by:American Legion Post 138419 W. Main Street, Smethport, PA 16749
Register to attend by calling: 878-208-8186 OR email patti.tanner@pitt.edu.
Download the flyer to print or share. Please contact us if you experience challenges with registration.
We look forward to meeting you at an upcoming training session!

Erie County Veterans Organizations: Lunch at the Legion
2023-03-07 12:00 - 14:00
Calling all veteran-focused community organizations!
Please join The Nonprofit Partnership, Bodhi Garden Initiative and The University of Pittsburgh’s Program Evaluation and Research Unit (PERU) on Tuesday, March 7th at 12:00 PM at the American Legion for a sector-specific convening.
Our goal is to bring community groups together to network and learn more about one another; share information and resources; determine needs; and create a plan for next steps.
This convening is meant for agencies with a focus towards veteran support. Is your organization completely veteran focused? You’re invited! Does your organization have a veteran-specific program? You’re invited!
Logistics:

This event is free; registration is required
Light lunch will be provided
Register online to secure your spot

American Legion Millcreek Post 773
4109 West 12th St.
Erie, PA 16505

Evaluating the Effects of Opioids and Benzodiazepines on All-Cause Mortality in Veterans
2023-03-09 09:00 - 12:00
March 9, 2023 | 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET
Opioids and benzodiazepines are often prescribed to manage chronic pain. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine has convened an expert committee to evaluate the effects of opioids and benzodiazepines on all-cause mortality of veterans, including suicide.The Committee to Evaluate the Effects of Opioids and Benzodiazepines on All-Cause Mortality of Veterans will hold a public session during its second meeting on March 9, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET, to include presentations on trends in opioid and benzodiazepine use, and data and study design considerations.The event will be accessible via live webcast, and there is limited capacity for in-person attendees on a first come, first served basis. Learn more and register on the event page.

QPR Training at Storm Harbor Equestrian Center
2023-03-09 18:00 - 20:00
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.
Thursday, March 9, 2023
6:00-8:00 PM
Hosted by:
Storm Harbor Equestrian Center
245 Harmony Rd, Slippery Rock, PA 16057
Register to attend by calling: 878-208-8186 OR email patti.tanner@pitt.edu.
Download the flyer to print or share. Please contact us if you experience challenges with registration.
We look forward to meeting you at an upcoming training session!

Recovery is Community: Evaluation and Diagnosis of ADD in Adults
2023-03-10 12:00 - 13:00
Friday, Mar 10 • 12 pm to 1 pm
FREE. Register online.
Presented by Lisa May, Ph.D.
This presentation will review diagnostic criteria for adult ADD diagnoses and review neuropsychological evaluation processes as well as screening tools that can be used.
Learning Objectives – Upon completion of this session participants will be able to:

· Identify the DSM -5 diagnostic criteria for Attention Deficit Disorder.
· Identify elements of a neuropsychological evaluation for attention difficulties.
· Identify some common screening tools that can be helpful in identify possible diagnoses related to attention complaints.
·Identify at least 3 compensatory strategies to offer to patients that are not medication related.

Free CE credit of 1.0 hour for AMA, ANCC, and LSW/LCW/LPC/LMFT will be offered to those who attend.
Requirements include attendance for the duration of the session and completion of a course evaluation provided at the end of the session.
ACCREDITATION
In support of improving patient care the University of Pittsburgh is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the health care team.
PHYSICIAN (CME)
The University of Pittsburgh designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
SOCIAL WORK (CEU)
Mercyhurst University’s Department of Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and is an approved provider of Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapist and Professional Counselor continuing education by the Pennsylvania State Licensing Board.

A Case for Substance Use Recovery and Sobriety to Prevent Suicide
2023-03-21 15:00 - 16:00
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM EST
Location: Virtual Presentation
Presented By: Aimee Johnson Schenck, LCSW
Description: For those working in healthcare and behavioral health care settings, the opportunity to offer evidenced based treatments for substance use disorders and suicide is broad. This presentation will provide a basic understanding of the impact substance use and substance use disorders has in the United States, the connection to suicide risk and provide clear resources for individual providers, multidisciplinary teams, and organizations.

Women Veterans Conference
2023-03-24 - 2023-03-26
March is Women Veterans Month
Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of PA is proud to sponsor the Women Veterans ConferenceMarch 24–26, 2023Pittsburgh, PAPittsburgh Marriott North, 100 Cranberry Woods Drive, Cranberry Township, PA 16066
Agenda Includes: Veterans Benefits and how to access proper health care and benefits for women; presentations by several women veterans’ advocacy groups; leadership seminars; a motivational speaker; networking and camaraderie and much more All women veterans in Pennsylvania are welcome to attend. You do not need to be a member of the VFW in order to attend.
Please join us for a weekend of fellowship, camaraderie, and informational workshops by, for, and about women veterans—and the issues that matter and impact them directly. Preregistration is required; please see the VFW Dept. of PA Website for forms and the tentative agenda, or contact Amy MacKenzie (info below).Final Registration 01/31/2023 (or until sold out)www.vfwpa.org (under the “resources” tab)
This event is organized by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Pennsylvania, with financial contributions from Districts, Posts, Auxiliaries, & Individuals.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of PA Women Veterans ChairpersonAmy MacKenzie717.575.3982 quartermaster@ephratavfw.org

Motivating Veterans to Engage in Substance Use Disorder Treatment
2023-03-28 12:30 - 14:00
Motivating Veterans to Engage in Substance Use Disorder Treatment
Tuesday, March 28th, 2023
9:30AM PST – 10:30AM MT – 12:30PM EST
Location:
Virtual Presentation
Presented By:
Alice Maynor, LCSW
Description:
Veterans are a unique population to treat for substance use and mental illness due to their background in the military. After ears of having strict structure, highly stressful career expectations, and rigorous back to back training, Veterans re-entering the civilian world can be a difficult challenge to overcome for most. Because of this, Veterans struggling with substance use disorder and PTSD often enter treatment extremely guarded and/or resistant to treatment, which can lead to them leaving treatment early. Substance abuse and PTSD are complex issues that require consistent care and commitment to healing for any population, but for Veterans, it’s important to understand the barriers that they face on a daily basis and how to help them overcome them.
Register online.

Working With Military Families & Their Unique Behavioral Health Needs
2023-04-13 09:00 - 11:00
This presentation will identify the unique behavioral health needs for military families. It will also provide techniques and interventions for the most effective ways to work with military families and how to support building resiliency.
Thursday, April 13, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM MDT – Online
Register online

Military Sexual Trauma Workshop at Slippery Rock University
2023-04-18 12:30 - 13:30
Slippery Rock University, in conjunction with the SRU Veteran’s Center and the Women’s Center, will host an open to the public workshop on sexual violence in the military on Tuesday, April 18 from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm.
In-person attendees will meet at the Smith Student Center, Room 319, 107 W Central Loop, Slippery Rock, PA. A zoom link is available for those attending virtually: https://sru.zoom.us/meeting/93593768552

Improving Access to High-Quality Mental Health Care for Veterans
2023-04-20 08:00 - 2023-04-21 17:00
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine will hold a 1.5 day hybrid (virtual and in-person) public workshop on Improving Access to High-Quality Mental Health Care for Veterans on April 21 and April 22, 2023 to explore the current landscape for mental health care services in the United States, including the use of telehealth services. The workshop will consider ways to improve veterans’ timely access to high-quality care for mental health conditions. In particular, the workshop will consider internal and external best practices for three critical needs for mental health access (known as tripartite access in the VA): urgent/crisis access, engagement access, and sustained access.
Learn more and register online.

Crisis in a Post-Pandemic World: Back to Basics
2023-04-26 - 2023-04-27
Over the past few years, we have all witnessed significant changes in our health, economy, politics, social justice and challenges just getting through our daily lives. Crisis services have increasingly been asked to respond to a myriad of new challenges in how individuals relate to themselves and others. Communities are being wracked by violent events and it seems that traumatic situations are occurring in the news daily. Trauma contributes to responses such as isolation, anxiety, and substance abuse.
As a result of these traumas, crisis workers, first responders, law enforcement and service-related providers are charged with returning those exposed to trauma back to a new normal, this often takes a great toll on those responding.
Objectives• Address special areas of interest: trauma informed care, traumatic events, community safety and crisis skill building;• Identify crisis intervention strategies for working with specific populations;• Discuss methods and techniques that crisis workers can use in assessing and responding to crisis situations;• Develop an understanding of the frustrations of those struggling to overcome the effects of mental health stigma.
The Crisis Intervention Association of PennsylvaniaSeven Springs Mountain ResortChampion, PAApril 26–27, 2023
Registration link: https://form.jotform.com/230436336624049

Building a Bridge to Veterans: Trust Centered Programs, Mental Health & Moral Injury
2023-04-26 12:00 - 14:00
Building a Bridge to Veterans: Trust Centered Programs, Mental Health & Moral Injury
Wednesday April 26th, 2023
12:00-2:00PM EST
(11am CST • 10am MT • 9am PST)
Location:
Virtual Presentation
Presented By:
Alia Schenck MA, MSW, LCSW-A
Description:
A look at service delivery, important principles of relational building and cultural awareness for Veterans and family members. This class wIll seek to discuss supporting veterans that have unique challenges including Traumatic Brain Injuries IBIs), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), Moral Injury, and combat post-traumatic stress. Finally, we will discuss lessons learned from establishing rapport with trust-centered programs and conducting self-assessment among providers.
Register online.

Cooking For Your Mind: Nutrition & Mental Health for Women Veterans
2023-04-29 10:00 - 13:00
Join Adagio Health in collaboration with Northwest Pennsylvania Veteran Suicide Prevention Program for Cooking For Your Mind: Nutrition & Mental Health for Women Veterans. Hear from registered dietitians and a licensed therapist about ways to support mental health and overall well-being, including cooking demonstrations with recipes and take-home bags of fresh food.
Cooking For Your Mind:Nutrition & Mental Health for Women VeteransApril 29th, 202310AM – 1PMAdagio HealthNew Castle200 South Jefferson StreetNew Castle, PA 16101Lunch and child care will be provided.
Register online!

Delivering Hope Through Building Connections
2023-05-02 08:30 - 15:30
Tuesday, May 2, 2023
8:30 am – 3:30 pm EST
Location:
Soldiers & Sailors, Third Floor Ballroom
4141 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA
Presented By:
Melissa Jenkins-Fernández, Psy.D. Licensed Clinical Psychologist & USAF Veteran
Catherine Markosky, CEO & Founder, STAT, Inc.
Emily Benjamin, MS, Residential Addiction Counselor, St. Joseph Institute
Making personal connections is key to good mental health. Summit BHC Tactical Recovery Team, Mountain Laurel Recovery Center, and St. Joseph Institute for Addiction are teaming up to bring together Mental Health Professionals who serve our military, Veteran and First Responder Communities for this all-day seminar.

Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day Symposium
2023-05-11 10:00 - 17:00
The National Council on Aging is proud to host the 6th annual Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day Symposium. This event is co-sponsored with the U.S. Administration for Community Living, the Health Resources and Services Administration, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Registration is free and includes a full day of sessions on how to best meet the mental health needs of older adults. In partnership with Rush University’s E4 Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Disparities in Aging, NCOA anticipates offering free continuing education credit for several professions. Please visit the registration page for more information.
Be sure to join us starting at 10:00 am EST on May 11, 2023, for the welcome and keynote speaker, Montel Williams.

Addressing the Rising Mental Health Needs of an Aging Population
2023-05-15 08:00 - 2023-05-16 17:00
On May 15-16, a National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine planning committee will organize and host a public workshop to explore the current state of mental health care for older adults in the United States and potential strategies to address the mental health needs and challenges of our aging population.
Invited presentations and discussions will be designed to:

Discuss the incidence and prevalence of mental health and substance use conditions among older adults as well as the range and availability of services to address those needs.
Explore strategies to improve the quality, capacity, equity, and access of community-based and institutional mental health services for older adults.
Consider ways to build and sustain comprehensive programs to support the well-being of older adults with mental health conditions (e.g., dementia).
Explore current and new approaches to help older people with mental health disorders to live where they prefer in the community and to support their family caregivers.
Review knowledge gaps that impede progress in identifying and providing appropriate care for individuals with mental health and substance use conditions, which could be addressed through new research

Learn more and register online.

Mental Health: Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges
2023-05-16 13:00 - 14:00
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in mental health challenges affecting people of all ages. This has made it more important than ever to increase mental health literacy and decrease the stigma surrounding treatment. During this workshop, you will learn to identify signs that someone is experiencing a mental health challenge, then gain confidence to offer them help.
Tuesday, May 16, 2023 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM
(UTC-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)

Learn more and register online.

S.A.V.E. Training
2023-05-26 12:00 - 14:30
Support Our VeteransTake a S.A.V.E. suicide prevention training to learn how you can support a Veteran in a crisis.
WHAT IS VA S.A.V.E. TRAINING?The acronym S.A.V.E. helps you remember theimportant steps involved in suicide prevention:S: Signs of suicidal thinking should be recognizedA: Ask the most important question of all — “Are you thinking of killing yourself?”V: Validate the Veteran’s experienceE: Encourage treatment and Expedite getting help
Open to Veterans, staff and support personnelMay 26, 12 noonBeaver Valley Intermediate Unit, 147Poplar Avenue Monaca,PA 15061
Email: nicole.gallagher@va.gov to register

Sleeping Our Way to Preventing Suicide
2023-05-31 17:30 - 20:00
AFSP Western PA Research Connection Event with Tina R. Goldstein, Ph.D. and Peter Franzen, Ph.D.

Join us for our Sleeping Our Way to Preventing Suicide: How sleep impacts suicide risk…and what we can do about it research connection event with Dr. Tina Goldstein and Dr. Peter Franzen.
Hear firsthand what researchers are exploring in the world of suicide prevention. This event will feature a presentation followed by a Q&A based conversation, bringing your community together with leaders in the field of suicide prevention research. Light hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be served.
The more we understand about suicide, the more we can prevent it. AFSP-funded research is essential to our mission of saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. Our research funding goes toward studies from neurobiological, psychosocial, and genetic perspectives, as well as topics including clinical treatment, community intervention, and survivors of suicide loss. Our grants help sponsor young investigators, engage senior researchers in suicide prevention, and foster new ideas from suicide researchers at all levels to build a scientific community.

We believe it is important to share our findings to increase public knowledge and awareness. Join us for an AFSP Research Connection Program, where you will have the opportunity to engage in a conversation with a researcher about their work and about suicide prevention.

Learn more at afsp.org/research.

Date: May 31, 2023

Time: 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Thomas E. Startzl Biomedical Science Tower, Room S100
200 Darragh St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Contact Information: Jesse Putkoski, jputkoski@afsp.org

Why use Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM) for Suicide Prevention?
2023-06-06 12:00 - 13:00
CALM is a practical intervention to increase the time and distance between individuals at risk of suicide and the most common methods of suicide, particularly firearms. The oldest and most widely-used training on lethal means safety, CALM teaches why means matter and provides tools to intervene effectively with those at risk both upstream – before a crisis occurs – as well as in times of crisis.
This Intro to CALM will be presented in two parts: Part 1: Why use CALM (1 hour) and Part 2: How to use CALM (1.5 hours). Although not necessary, it is highly recommended to attend both parts. Part 1 focuses on why reducing access to lethal means can be an effective strategy to prevent suicide deaths. Part 2 addresses the specific ways you can counsel clients and their families to reduce access to firearms and medications.
Target Audience:
The target audience includes therapists, social workers, psychologists, nurses, certified addiction counselors, certified rehabilitation counselors, certified peer specialists, certified recovery specialists, national board-certified counselors, case managers, and others interested in behavioral health services.
Why use Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM) for Suicide Prevention? (Part I)
June 6, 2023 12:00pm-1:00pm
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

How to use Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM) for Suicide Prevention (Part II)
June 20, 2023 11:30pm-1:00pm
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

CEUs available:
Mental Health Professionals
Nurses and other health care professionals are awarded the designated .15 number of Continuing Education Units (CEU). One CEU is equal to 10 contact hours. Nurses: For attendance at this program you will receive a Certificate of Attendance confirming the indicated hours of continuing education. These hours may be considered eligible in completing the 30 hours of continuing education required for bi-annual nursing re-licensure in Pennsylvania.
National Certified Counselors
UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 5059. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital is solely responsible for all aspects of this program. This program is being offered for 1.5 continuing education hours.
Psychologists
UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education credits for psychologists. UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital maintains responsibility for this program and its content. This program is 1.5 continuing education credits.
Social Workers
This program is offered for 1.5 hours of social work continuing education through the co-sponsorship of the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work, a Council on Social Work Education accredited and Pennsylvania pre-approved continuing education provider for LSW, LCSW, LPC, and LMFT. Those attending from other states should check with their social work boards on acceptance of, or number for, continuing education through CSWE-accredited.

10th Annual PA Cares Training Summit
2023-06-07 08:00 - 12:30
10th Annual PA Cares Training Summit
June 7, 2023, 8AM – ½ day virtual program
Targeted audiences include, but are not limited to community mental health and substance abuse agencies, social workers, professional counselors, nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists, clergy/pastoral or spiritual practitioners, and the staff of PA Veteran Centers.
For questions or to register for this event, please call 717-418-3555.

The Landscape of LGBTQ+ Affirming Healthcare in Erie: A Panel Discussion
2023-06-14 11:30 - 13:00
The Landscape of LGBTQ+ Affirming Healthcare in Erie: A Panel Discussion
June 14, 2023 11:30 AM – 1 PM

Blasco Library: 160 E Front St, Erie, PA 16507
Contact us at (814) 454-0843 or sfrigon@eriecommunityfoundation.org
Register online

This is a free event provided by UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor, The LGBT Funds of The Erie Community Foundation, Mercyhurst University and The Hamot Health Foundation.

Historically, the LGBTQ+ community has faced barriers to accessing quality healthcare due to discrimination, stigma, and lack of knowledgeable and welcoming providers. Additionally, many LGBTQ+ people face challenges that increase health risks and can lead to negative health outcomes. Combined, this creates health disparities for LGBTQ+ individuals compared to their cisgender, heterosexual counterparts. This is a concern across countless communities, including here in Erie.
LGBTQ+ affirming healthcare ensures that all individuals have access to high-quality healthcare services, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. It is important for healthcare and social service providers to understand the unique needs of LGBTQ+ individuals. It is equally important for facilities to provide a welcoming, inclusive, and competent environment.
Our panel will discuss the current healthcare landscape for LGBTQ+ individuals in our area and what resources are available.

Learning Objectives for CME/SW/LPC/LMFT Credits:

Identify three core principles of LGBTQ+ affirming healthcare
Review at least five health risks potentially faced by individuals in the LGBTQ+ community
Name at least three barriers to care that may impact LGBTQ+ individuals
Describe the current healthcare landscape for LGBTQ+ individuals in our region, including in primary care, mental health, and substance use settings.
Set an actionable goal to improve LGBTQ+ health for our region.

ACCREDITATION
In support of improving patient care the University of Pittsburgh is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPA), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the health care team.
Physician (CME)
The University of Pittsburgh designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Social Work (CEU)
Mercyhurst University’s Department of Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and is an approved provider of social work, Marriage & Family Therapist and Professional Counselor continuing education by the Pennsylvania State Licensing Board. 1.0 hours of CEUs offered to all attendees.
For CEUs in LSW/LCSW/LMFT/LPC, requirements include attendance for the entire session as verified by Teams attendance records (or sign-in/sign-out sheets for in-person) and completion of a course evaluation that will be provided at the end of the session.
For AMA CME/CNE credit, a code will be provided with further instructions.

How to use Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM) for Suicide Prevention
2023-06-20 11:30 - 13:00
CALM is a practical intervention to increase the time and distance between individuals at risk of suicide and the most common methods of suicide, particularly firearms. The oldest and most widely-used training on lethal means safety, CALM teaches why means matter and provides tools to intervene effectively with those at risk both upstream – before a crisis occurs – as well as in times of crisis.
This Intro to CALM will be presented in two parts: Part 1: Why use CALM (1 hour) and Part 2: How to use CALM (1.5 hours). Although not necessary, it is highly recommended to attend both parts. Part 1 focuses on why reducing access to lethal means can be an effective strategy to prevent suicide deaths. Part 2 addresses the specific ways you can counsel clients and their families to reduce access to firearms and medications.
Target Audience:
The target audience includes therapists, social workers, psychologists, nurses, certified addiction counselors, certified rehabilitation counselors, certified peer specialists, certified recovery specialists, national board-certified counselors, case managers, and others interested in behavioral health services.

How to use Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM) for Suicide Prevention (Part II)
June 20, 2023 11:30pm-1:00pm
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

CEUs available:
Mental Health Professionals
Nurses and other health care professionals are awarded the designated .15 number of Continuing Education Units (CEU). One CEU is equal to 10 contact hours. Nurses: For attendance at this program you will receive a Certificate of Attendance confirming the indicated hours of continuing education. These hours may be considered eligible in completing the 30 hours of continuing education required for bi-annual nursing re-licensure in Pennsylvania.
National Certified Counselors
UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 5059. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital is solely responsible for all aspects of this program. This program is being offered for 1.5 continuing education hours.
Psychologists
UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education credits for psychologists. UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital maintains responsibility for this program and its content. This program is 1.5 continuing education credits.
Social Workers
This program is offered for 1.5 hours of social work continuing education through the co-sponsorship of the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work, a Council on Social Work Education accredited and Pennsylvania pre-approved continuing education provider for LSW, LCSW, LPC, and LMFT. Those attending from other states should check with their social work boards on acceptance of, or number for, continuing education through CSWE-accredited.

QPR + CALM Training
2023-07-05 11:00 - 14:00, 2023-07-07 10:00 - 14:00
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.
Click on the image to download. You can access the registration online. Please contact us if you experience challenges with registration.
We look forward to meeting you at an upcoming training session!

QPR Training in Central PA
2023-07-13 16:00 - 18:00
QPR Training is a central focus of the NW PA Veteran Suicide Prevention Program. While our program focuses exclusively on the 15 counties in our region, we are sharing this QPR training opportunity occurring in South Central Pennsylvania.
Location:
Coyle Free Library 102 North Main Street, Chambersburg, PA 17201
July 13, 4-6pm.
Visit the event listing for more info or to register.
