Suicide Prevention: Links to Substance Use Disorder Care (SUD)
2025-06-11 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-07-10 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
1 hour
This activity is approved for the following credit: ACPE CPE, AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, ANCC, ASWB, ACPE 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
Substance misuse is a major risk factor for suicide. The SP/SUD course equips participants with the skills to recognize early warning signs of both substance use disorders and suicide, while exploring the complex interplay between the two. This training emphasizes how stigma can impact both those seeking help and those providing support. Although open to all, the course is particularly beneficial for mental health professionals, healthcare providers, and social service professionals. The curriculum covers essential facts, key warning signs, protective factors, and strategies to address stigma, along with proactive care approaches and methods to reduce access to lethal means such as firearms and medications.”
Learning Objectives

Identify and describe the key warning signs and risk factors associated with both substance use disorders and suicide.
Analyze the interactions between substance misuse and suicide.
Describe how stigma affects both help-seeking and support-providing behaviors.
Implement proactive intervention strategies—such as reducing access to lethal means—to improve outcomes for at‑risk individuals.

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)
2025-06-18 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-07-17 09:00 - 10:00
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

Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR)
2025-06-25 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)
2025-06-25 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

Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR)
2025-07-23 10:00 - 12:00
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.

Register Now
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)
2025-07-23 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-09-22 16:00 - 17:00
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.

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

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
2025-07-24 08:30 - 2025-07-25 16:30 | Family Children & Community Association, 378 Chestnut St, Meadville, PA, 16335, United States
2 Days (8:30 AM – 4:30 PM each day)
This activity is approved for the following credit: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, ANCC, ASWB, and AAPA Category 1 CME.
Cost
This training is FREE to participants; the $380 value of the ASIST training event is automatically covered by grant funding.
Space is limited, so please register early!
Location
Family Children & Community Association (website)
378 Chestnut St, Meadville, PA 16335
(Crawford County)
Audience
This training is open to the general public, but mental health professionals, healthcare providers, social service workers, educators, law enforcement, and community members in positions of trust will find this content particularly relevant to their activities. Trainings are provided by Pitt PERU and UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor.
Description
ASIST is a two-day in-person suicide first aid workshop that combines audiovisuals, discussions, and interactive simulations. It equips participants to recognize when someone may be considering suicide, intervene effectively, and develop a collaborative safety plan. ASIST also explores personal and community attitudes toward suicide and how these influence support-seeking behavior. The training is facilitated by two experienced instructors who ensure a safe learning environment. Backed by over 40 years of research and approved by the World Health Organization, ASIST has been shown to increase intervention skills and confidence in providing suicide first aid.
Participants will develop confidence in recognizing and responding to suicide risk, create actionable safety plans, and understand how to engage effectively in suicide intervention. Participants will also gain enhanced general counseling and listening skills.
Learning Objectives

Recognize signs of suicide risk
Develop intervention skills to engage at-risk individuals
Create a collaborative safety plan
Learn follow-up procedures to support ongoing safety
Gain confidence in discussing suicide directly
Understand how community attitudes impact suicide prevention.

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

Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR)
2025-08-21 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-09-22 14:00 - 16:00
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 of Pennsylvania, especially in rural counties, 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.

Register Now
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)
2025-08-21 15:00 - 16:00
1 hour
This activity is approved for the following credit: ACPE CPE, AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, ANCC, ASWB, ACPE 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
Substance misuse is a major risk factor for suicide. The SP/SUD course equips participants with the skills to recognize early warning signs of both substance use disorders and suicide, while exploring the complex interplay between the two. This training emphasizes how stigma can impact both those seeking help and those providing support. Although open to all, the course is particularly beneficial for mental health professionals, healthcare providers, and social service professionals. The curriculum covers essential facts, key warning signs, protective factors, and strategies to address stigma, along with proactive care approaches and methods to reduce access to lethal means such as firearms and medications.
Learning Objectives

Identify and describe the key warning signs and risk factors associated with both substance use disorders and suicide.
Analyze the interactions between substance misuse and suicide.
Describe how stigma affects both help-seeking and support-providing behaviors.
Implement proactive intervention strategies—such as reducing access to lethal means—to improve outcomes for at‑risk individuals.

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

Suicide Prevention: Links to Substance Use Disorder Care (SUD)
2025-08-25 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-09-25 14:00 - 15:00

Integrating Trauma Informed Care into Suicide Response (ITIC)
2025-08-29 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-09-26 14:00 - 15:00
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.

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

9th Annual Erie County Suicide Prevention Conference
2025-09-24 | Ambassador Conference Center, Erie, PA, 7794 Peach Street, Erie, Pennsylvania, 16509
9th Annual Suicide Prevention Conference – Erie, PA
Date: Wednesday, September 24th, 2025
Time: 8:15 AM – 3:45 PM
Location: Ambassador Conference Center, Erie, PA
Theme: Creating a Safer Community Through Collaboration and Creativity
Hosted by the Erie County Suicide Prevention Advisory Board and UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor, this annual conference brings together professionals, students, families, and community members to share best practices and new ideas in suicide prevention. Over 250 participants join each year to connect, learn, and make a difference.
Keynote Speaker
Marisa Vicere – President and founder of the Jana Marie Foundation, Mental Health First Aid instructor, and chairperson for the Centre County Suicide Prevention Taskforce. Marisa will speak on “Healing Through Art, Story, and Action: A Community Approach to Mental Wellness.”
Breakout Sessions

Safe Spaces, Strong Minds: Strategies for LGBTQ+ Suicide Awareness and Prevention
Peers Responding to Peers in Times of Crisis
Collaborative Crisis Planning: Family Driven Care Coordination
Pickleball Can Save Lives
Motivational Interviewing for Suicide Response
Suicide Prevention and Intervention with Peer Specialists
The Joy of Communicating
From Loss to Learning: Organizational Growth Through Post-Suicide Analysis
Building Belonging: Suicide Prevention Strategies for Minority Populations

Continuing Education
Up to 5.25 CE credits available for physicians, nurses, physician assistants, psychologists, and social workers. For full accreditation details, visit the official event page.
Registration Fees

Professional (includes CE): $60
Non-Professional (no CE): $50
Student: $30

Scholarships are available. Please email Sharon Sandberg at sandbergs@upmc.edu to inquire.
Why Attend?
This conference is a chance to learn about new research, discover creative tools for prevention and healing, and strengthen your network of partners in the region. Together, we are working toward a community goal of zero suicide.
View event details and register

Integrating Trauma Informed Care into Suicide Response (ITIC)
2025-10-27 15:00 - 16:00
Training Details
Duration2 hours
CostFree
ApprovalsThis activity is approved for the following credit: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, ANCC, ASWB, and AAPA Category 1 CME.
Quantity2 hours CE
ProviderPitt PERU and UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor
Audience
Open to all community members, Veterans and their families, and practitioners across healthcare, behavioral health, social services, education, first response, and peer support.
Description
QPR teaches practical skills that help you become an effective “gatekeeper” who notices warning signs, starts a caring conversation, and connects someone to help. You will learn the three core actions:

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.

Concepts are reinforced with clear examples that fit daily life at home, in clinics, and in community settings. The training aligns with best practices, including asking directly about suicide, using non-stigmatizing language, and linking to 988 and local resources. Because suicide affects many groups, including Veterans and their families, QPR builds confidence to act early, reduce risk, and support safety while professional care is arranged.
Outcomes
Participants grow comfortable asking directly about suicide, increase accuracy recognizing clues and warning signs, and improve the speed and quality of referrals to crisis and community care, including 988 and local providers.
Learning Objectives

Recognize common verbal, behavioral, and situational warning signs of suicide
Differentiate helpful from unhelpful language when asking about suicide.
Demonstrate the QPR steps to encourage help-seeking and hope.
Apply a brief referral plan that links to 988 and local resources.
Collaborate with family, peers, and providers to support short-term safety.

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

Suicide Prevention: Links to Substance Use Disorder Care (SUD)
2025-10-28 15:00 - 16:00
Training Details
Duration1 hour
CostFree
ApprovalsThis activity is approved for the following credit: ACPE CPE, AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, ANCC, ASWB, ACPE and AAPA Category 1 CME.
Quantity1 hour CE
ProviderPitt PERU and UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor
Audience
Open to all community members, Veterans and their families, and practitioners across healthcare, behavioral health, social services, education, first response, and peer support.
Description
This session connects substance use and suicide risk in clear, actionable ways. Participants will review key facts, treatment gaps, including some Veteran-specific considerations, then focus on “what to do next.” Learn to spot early warning signs, reduce stigma in conversation and care, and plan for safety that fits a person’s readiness and resources. We cover warm referral to treatment, coordination with recovery supports, and when to consider lethal-means steps within a broader safety plan. Participants leave with practical tools to act early, improve continuity of care, and support recovery in community and clinical settings.
Outcomes
Participants identify early risk, use stigma-reducing language, plan for safety, and complete warm referrals that connect people to timely SUD and mental health care.
Learning Objectives

Describe early warning signs, risk factors, and protective factors across settings.
Recall connections between SUD prevelance, treatment gaps, and links to suicide risk.
Demonstrate brief, stigma-reducing conversations that invite help-seeking.
Apply a safety plan that may include lethal-means steps where indicated.
Coordinate warm referrals and follow-up with treatment andf recovery supports.

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

Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR)
2025-10-29 13:00 - 15:00
Training Details
Duration2 hours
CostFree
ApprovalsThis activity is approved for the following credit: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, ANCC, ASWB, and AAPA Category 1 CME.
Quantity2 hours CE
ProviderPitt PERU and UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor
Audience
Open to all community members, Veterans and their families, and practitioners across healthcare, behavioral health, social services, education, first response, and peer support.
Description
Note: Consider registering for the CALM training offered immediately after this session, as it complements QPR.
QPR teaches practical skills that help you become an effective “gatekeeper” who notices warning signs, starts a caring conversation, and connects someone to help. You will learn the three core actions:

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.

Concepts are reinforced with clear examples that fit daily life at home, in clinics, and in community settings. The training aligns with best practices, including asking directly about suicide, using non-stigmatizing language, and linking to 988 and local resources. Because suicide affects many groups, including Veterans and their families, QPR builds confidence to act early, reduce risk, and support safety while professional care is arranged.
OutcomesParticipants grow comfortable asking directly about suicide, increase accuracy recognizing clues and warning signs, and improve the speed and quality of referrals to crisis and community care, including 988 and local providers.
Learning Objectives

Recognize common verbal, behavioral, and situational warning signs of suicide
Differentiate helpful from unhelpful language when asking about suicide.
Demonstrate the QPR steps to encourage help-seeking and hope.
Apply a brief referral plan that links to 988 and local resources.
Collaborate with family, peers, and providers to support short-term safety.

Register Now
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)
2025-10-29 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-11-19 15:00 - 16:00
Training Details
Duration1 hour
CostFree
ApprovalsThis activity is approved for the following credit: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, ANCC, ASWB, and AAPA Category 1 CME.
Quantity1 hour CE
ProviderPitt PERU and UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor
Audience
Open to all community members, Veterans and their families, and practitioners across healthcare, behavioral health, social services, education, first response, and peer support.
Description
Note: Consider registering for the QPR training offered immediately before this session, as it complements CALM.
CALM teaches respectful, practical ways to reduce access to lethal means, especially firearms and medications, during periods of suicide risk. The session covers when lethal-means counseling is indicated, how to introduce the topic, and how to plan safe storage options that fit a person’s values and daily reality.
Participants practice language for collaborative problem-solving and learn how to coordinate with families and care teams. The goal is simple, safer environments for Veterans and all community members while risk is elevated, with clear next steps for follow-up and return to usual storage when the crisis has passed. Proposed firearm safety solutions respect individuals’ dignity and their second amendment rights.
Outcomes
Participants gain confidence initiating lethal-means conversations, identify feasible storage options, and coordinate follow-up with families and care teams to sustain safety.
Learning Objectives

Identify when lethal-means counseling is indicated.
Explain storage options for firearms and medications during elevated risk.
Demonstrate respectful language that aligns with personal values and legal considerations.
Apply a short safety plan that includes storage, monitoring, and follow-up.
Collaborate with families and providers to review and adjust the plan over time.

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

Suicide Prevention: Links to Substance Use Disorder Care (SUD)
2025-11-14 13:00 - 14:00
Training Details

Duration1 hour
CostFree
ApprovalsThis activity is approved for the following credit: ACPE CPE, AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, ANCC, ASWB, ACPE and AAPA Category 1 CME.
Quantity1 hour CE
ProviderPitt PERU and UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor
Audience
Open to all community members, Veterans and their families, and practitioners across healthcare, behavioral health, social services, education, first response, and peer support.
Description
This session connects substance use and suicide risk in clear, actionable ways. Participants will review key facts, treatment gaps, including some Veteran-specific considerations, then focus on “what to do next.” Learn to spot early warning signs, reduce stigma in conversation and care, and plan for safety that fits a person’s readiness and resources. We cover warm referral to treatment, coordination with recovery supports, and when to consider lethal-means steps within a broader safety plan. Participants leave with practical tools to act early, improve continuity of care, and support recovery in community and clinical settings.
Outcomes
Participants identify early risk, use stigma-reducing language, plan for safety, and complete warm referrals that connect people to timely SUD and mental health care.
Learning Objectives

Describe early warning signs, risk factors, and protective factors across settings.
Recall connections between SUD prevalence, treatment gaps, and links to suicide risk.
Demonstrate brief, stigma-reducing conversations that invite help-seeking.
Apply a safety plan that may include lethal-means steps where indicated.
Coordinate warm referrals and follow-up with treatment and recovery supports.

Register Now
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)
2025-11-17 13:00 - 14:00
Training Details
Duration1 hour
CostFree
ApprovalsThis activity is approved for the following credit: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, ANCC, ASWB, and AAPA Category 1 CME.
Quantity1 hour CE
ProviderPitt PERU and UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor
Audience
Open to all community members, Veterans and their families, and practitioners across healthcare, behavioral health, social services, education, first response, and peer support.
Description
This training helps attendees understand how trauma can shape suicide risk, coping, and engagement before, during, and after a crisis. Using SAMHSA’s trauma-informed principles, we translate concepts into practical steps that create safety, trust, collaboration, empowerment, and cultural humility. You will learn ways to reduce re-traumatization, strengthen connection, and support recovery for Veterans and civilians across settings. The session links principles to actions you can take today, including language, environment tips, and small process changes that improve care and community support. Participants leave with strategies that fit both professional practice and everyday life.
Outcomes
Participants connect trauma-informed principles to suicide prevention, reduce re-traumatization in conversations and settings, and improve engagement and follow-through after attempts or losses.
Learning Objectives

Explain how trauma exposure and responses can influence suicide risk and help-seeking.
Apply SAMHSA trauma-informed principles to real scenarios.
Demonstrate language and environmental adjustments that increase psychological safety.
Integrate peer, family, and cultural strengths into safety and recovery plans.
Evaluate interactions for potential triggers and adapt approach accordingly.

Register Now
Questions? Contact Chris at 412-383-3926 or chirdon@pitt.edu

Funded by the CDC’s Division of Injury Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov

Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR)
2025-11-19 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-12-15 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-01-13 10:00 - 12:00
Training Details
Duration2 hours
CostFree
ApprovalsThis activity is approved for the following credit: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, ANCC, ASWB, and AAPA Category 1 CME.
Quantity2 hours CE
ProviderPitt PERU and UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor
Audience
Open to all community members, Veterans and their families, and practitioners across healthcare, behavioral health, social services, education, first response, and peer support.
Description
Note: Consider registering for the CALM training offered immediately after this session, as it complements QPR.
QPR teaches practical skills that help you become an effective “gatekeeper” who notices warning signs, starts a caring conversation, and connects someone to help. You will learn the three core actions:

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.

Concepts are reinforced with clear examples that fit daily life at home, in clinics, and in community settings. The training aligns with best practices, including asking directly about suicide, using non-stigmatizing language, and linking to 988 and local resources. Because suicide affects many groups, including Veterans and their families, QPR builds confidence to act early, reduce risk, and support safety while professional care is arranged.
Outcomes
Participants grow comfortable asking directly about suicide, increase accuracy recognizing clues and warning signs, and improve the speed and quality of referrals to crisis and community care, including 988 and local providers.
Learning Objectives

Recognize common verbal, behavioral, and situational warning signs of suicide
Differentiate helpful from unhelpful language when asking about suicide.
Demonstrate the QPR steps to encourage help-seeking and hope.
Apply a brief referral plan that links to 988 and local resources.
Collaborate with family, peers, and providers to support short-term safety.

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

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) Sponsored By Erie Drug and Alcohol
2025-12-04 08:30 - 2025-12-05 16:30 | 154 West 9th Street, Floor 2, Erie, PA 16501, 40 W 11th St, SUITE B-050, Erie, PA, 16501, United States
Training Details
Duration2 Days (8:30 AM – 4:30 PM each day)
CostFree
ApprovalsThis activity is approved for the following credit: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, ANCC, ASWB, and AAPA Category 1 CME.
Quantity14 hours CE
ProviderPitt PERU and UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor
Erie County Drug and Alcohol is sponsoring this training which will occur in the Human Services Building, Floor 2: 154 West 9th Street, Floor 2, Erie, PA 16501

Audience
Open to all community members, Veterans and their families, and practitioners across healthcare, behavioral health, social services, education, first response, and peer support.
Description
ASIST is a two-day, in-person workshop that teaches a structured intervention model for suicide first aid. Through brief lectures, video examples, coached practice, and supervised simulations, participants learn to recognize invitations and warning signs, ask directly about suicide, and build a collaborative safety plan that connects the person to ongoing supports. The workshop uses a standardized format from LivingWorks, with trained facilitators who create a safe learning environment for people with varied roles and lived experience. Skills apply across home, workplace, and clinical settings, including support for Veterans and their families. By the end of the workshop, participants can organize risk information, strengthen reasons for living, map resources, and plan follow-up. ASIST has decades of evaluation and is widely used by health systems, community organizations, and first responders. The focus is practical, repeatable steps that improve confidence and effectiveness.
Outcomes
Participants increase self-efficacy, improve collaborative safety-planning skills, and strengthen coordination with family, peers, and providers for ongoing support.
Learning Objectives

Analyze risk and safety information to understand immediate needs.
Demonstrate the ASIST intervention model in a simulated interaction.
Develop listening and questioning skills that identify person-centered motivations to “turn” individuals toward the future, life, and support.
Integrate family, peers, and community resources into ongoing support.
Evaluate next steps and arrange active follow-up and warm handoffs.

Register Now
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)
2025-12-10 14:30 - 15:30
Training Details
Duration1 hour
CostFree
ApprovalsThis activity is approved for the following credit: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, ANCC, ASWB, and AAPA Category 1 CME.
Quantity1 hour CE
ProviderPitt PERU and UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor
Audience
Open to all community members, Veterans and their families, and practitioners across healthcare, behavioral health, social services, education, first response, and peer support.
Description
Note: Consider registering for the QPR training offered immediately before this session, as it complements CALM.
CALM teaches respectful, practical ways to reduce access to lethal means, especially firearms and medications, during periods of suicide risk. The session covers when lethal-means counseling is indicated, how to introduce the topic, and how to plan safe storage options that fit a person’s values and daily reality.
Participants practice language for collaborative problem-solving and learn how to coordinate with families and care teams. The goal is simple, safer environments for Veterans and all community members while risk is elevated, with clear next steps for follow-up and return to usual storage when the crisis has passed. Proposed firearm safety solutions respect individuals’ dignity and their second amendment rights.

OutcomesParticipants gain confidence initiating lethal-means conversations, identify feasible storage options, and coordinate follow-up with families and care teams to sustain safety.
Learning Objectives

Identify when lethal-means counseling is indicated.
Explain storage options for firearms and medications during elevated risk.
Demonstrate respectful language that aligns with personal values and legal considerations.
Apply a short safety plan that includes storage, monitoring, and follow-up.
Collaborate with families and providers to review and adjust the plan over time.

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