The Resilient Veteran

QPR + CALM Training
2022-12-19 12:00 - 15:30, 2022-12-09 09:00 - 12:30, 2022-11-07 09:00 - 12:30, 2022-10-31 12:00 - 15:30, 2022-10-26 10:00 - 13:30, 2022-10-17 13:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York)
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 or print the flyer and access the registration QR code. You can also access the registration form directly. Please contact us if you experience challenges with registration.
We look forward to meeting you at an upcoming training session!

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.

QPR Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training
2022-12-15 13:00 - 15:00, 2022-11-17 09:00 - 11:00, 2022-10-06 10:00 - 12:00
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.
Click on the image to download or print the flyer and access the registration QR code. You can also access the registration form directly. Please contact us if you experience challenges with registration.
We look forward to meeting you at an upcoming training session!

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.

QPR Training
2022-12-07 19:00 - 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.
This session will be held in-person at:
Ft. LeBeouf American Legion Post 285
120 W. 4th Street, Waterford, PA
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 or print the flyer and access registration information. Please contact us if you experience challenges with registration.
We look forward to meeting you at an upcoming training session!

Recent Innovations in the Assessment and Prediction of Self-Directed Violence
2022-12-07 11:00 - 12:00
Wednesday, Dec 7 2022 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
(UTC-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)

Agenda
This talk will describe recent developments regarding the assessment and prediction of suicidal and nonsuicidal self-injurious thoughts and behaviors among Veterans. Topics covered will include the development and validation of the Durham Risk Score, the Screen for Nonsuicidal Self-Injury, and ongoing efforts to use machine learning approaches to improve the prediction of suicide among Veterans through integration and analysis of electronic health record data, geospatial data, natural language processing, and genomics.
Intended Audience: Researchers and clinicians interested in learning about recent innovations in the assessment and prediction of self-directed violence.

Register for webinar
If you want to attend, register now. When your registration is approved, you’ll receive an invitation to join.

Host
Heidi Schlueter

Women Veterans Empowerment Workshop
2022-11-20 13:00 - 15:00
Hosted by Women Veterans Empowered & Thriving, a 501c3 all volunteer nonprofit organization.
Any and all women Veterans are welcome to this free online workshop regardless of discharge status or time in service.
Discover the Artistry of Empowerment with WVE&T
Here at WVE&T we facilitate workshops to practice skills of Empowerment
~Schedule time for yourself without apologizes
~Practice speaking, writing and living without taking things personally
~Learn to empower yourself from within
~Practice observing without judgment
Invest in a compassionate, cooperative community of Empowerment for YOU!
Previous artistic experience not necessary
All other veterans are welcome to join us in our All Veterans Empowerment Workshops.
Register online.

Veterans' Discussion at Passavant Community
2022-11-16 13:00 - 15:00
Join us for a Veterans’ discussion at Passavant Community on Wednesday, November 16, 2022 from 1 pm – 3 pm.
Enjoy light refreshments and take part in a discussion about the impact of moral injury on Veterans. Sponsored by Lutheran Senior Life, Aspire Wellness, and the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy Program Evaluation and Research Unit (PERU).
Featuring Marine Corps Veteran Lee Wagner. Topics include creating awareness on Veterans’ issues highlighting supportive environments to encourage social connectedness.
Please RSVP by Friday, November 9th by calling 724-452-3456 or email Brian.Damaska@lutheranseniorlife.org.

All Veterans Empowerment Workshop
2022-11-10 18:30 - 20:30
Hosted by Women Veterans Empowered & Thriving, a 501c3 all volunteer nonprofit organization.
Any and all Veterans are welcome to this session regardless of discharge status or time in service. This online workshop is free of charge to all attendees.
Discover the Artistry of Empowerment with WVE&T
Here at WVE&T we facilitate workshops to practice skills of Empowerment
~Schedule time for yourself without apologizes
~Practice speaking, writing and living without taking things personally
~Learn to empower yourself from within
~Practice observing without judgment
Invest in a compassionate, cooperative community of Empowerment for YOU!
Previous artistic experience not necessary
Register online.

Supporting Veterans Empowerment Workshop
2022-11-08 19:00 - 21:00
Hosted by Women Veterans Empowered and Thriving, a 501c3 all volunteer nonprofit organization.
Discover the Artistry of Empowerment with WVE&T in this free online workshop and discussion.
~Schedule time for yourself without apologizes
~Practice speaking, writing and living without taking things personally
~Learn to empower yourself from within
~Practice observing without judgment
Invest in a compassionate, cooperative community of Empowerment for YOU!
Previous artistic experience not necessary
Register online.

DMVA to Host Virtual Town Hall Honoring Veterans
2022-11-02 18:00 - 19:30
The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) will host the fifth and final virtual Veteran Town Hall of the year on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022, from 6-7:30 p.m. The town hall will focus on honoring Veterans for their service and sacrifice.
Please join Brig. Gen. (PA) Maureen Weigl, DMVA deputy adjutant general for Veterans Affairs; Kory Auch, Governor’s Office of Administration special advisor for Veteran Programs; Bridget Slagan, Camp Freedom development coordinator; and Debbie Goral, VA Veteran Community Partnership.
Attendees can participate by using this Microsoft Teams Link. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions of the presenters live during the program through the chat feature.
“As Veterans Day approaches, it is only appropriate that our final town hall of the year honors Pennsylvania’s more than 700,000 veterans for all they have done to protect our nation and preserve our freedom,” said Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and head of the DMVA. “It will be a pleasure to express our admiration for veterans and their families, while overviewing the various community organizations that honor veterans with free programs and services.”
The 2022 town hall series has provided the commonwealth’s veterans with a convenient platform to learn and ask questions about programs and services earned through their military service.
For anyone who would like to view recordings of the previous 2022 Virtual Veteran Town Hall sessions, please use this link.
To learn more about the DMVA, visit us online at www.dmva.pa.gov or follow us at www.facebook.com/padmva or www.twitter.com/padmva.

Brave Conversations About Substance Use
2022-10-28 12:00 - 13:00
Brave Conversations About Substance Use
Join the next Recovery is Community NWPA virtual training! No registration is needed.
Presented by Angela Morton, MA
October 28, 2022
12:00 – 1:00 PM
Click here to join the meeting

hours of CE credits for AMA, ANCC, and LSW/LCW/LPC/LMFT will be offered to those who attend.

Recovery Is Beautiful NWPA: Offering recovery support for women with substance use disorder and their families in Erie, Crawford, and Venango Counties.

Veteran Community Initiatives’ (VCI) 17th Annual Veteran Issues Symposium
2022-10-27 08:30 - 15:00
Veteran Community Initiatives’ (VCI) 17th Annual Veteran Issues Symposium
“MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE ISSUES”
Thursday, October 27, 2022
8:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Asiago’s Tuscan Italian Restaurant
709 Edgehill Dr.
Johnstown, PA 15905
Pre-Registration is REQUIRED
Reserve your seat today by calling VCI at (814) 255-0355
Veteran Suicide Prevention: – “Training & Education”
Thursday, October 27th, 2022
8:30- 9:00 Registration / Networking
9:00- 9:05 Welcome- Tom Caulfield, Together With Veterans – Cambria County Steering Committee Chair
9:05- 11:15 Suicide Prevention & Education: “QRP (Question. Persuade. Refer)- “Ask a Question-Save A Life”
Lee Wagner, University of Pittsburgh-School of Pharmacy-PERU
10:05-10:10 BREAK
11:15-11:45 Cambria County Veterans Court: Peer Mentor Panel, Marty Kuhar, Karen Esias, and Craig Minnick
11:45-12:45 LUNCH
12:45-1:10 Pubic Meeting begins for Together With Veterans- Cambria County
Josh Hauser, TWV – Cambria County Coordinator & Emcee for TWV Public Meeting
1:10-1:30 Cindy Ickes, Personal Story
1:30- 2:00 Donna, WICHE, TWV Program
2:00- 3:00 Olivia Luzier, VA Suicide Prevention, SAVE Training
3:00-3:15 Program Wrap-Up/ Questions & Answers

Veteran Community Initiatives’ (VCI) 17th Annual Veteran Issues Symposium
2022-10-26 08:30 - 15:00
Veteran Community Initiatives’ (VCI) 17th Annual Veteran Issues Symposium
“MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE ISSUES”
Wednesday, October 26, 2022
8:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Asiago’s Tuscan Italian Restaurant
709 Edgehill Dr.
Johnstown, PA 15905
Pre-Registration is REQUIRED
Reserve your seat today by calling VCI at (814) 255-0355
“Mental Health and Substance Abuse Issues”
Wednesday, October 26th 2022
8:30- 9:00 Registration / Networking
9:00- 9:15 Welcome- Tom Caulfield, President/CEO, Veteran Community Initiatives (VCI)
9:15- 9:20 Emcee- Natalie Kaufman, Executive Director, Cambria County Drug Coalition
9:20- 10:00 Natalie Kaufman, “Drug Coalition Growth and Red Ribbon Week”
Nichole Rousell, Project Coordinator, Cambria County Drug Coalition– “Recovery Story”
10:00-10:20 Break / Networking Opportunity
10:20- 11:10 Dave Peightal- “Veteran Recovery Story”
11:10-11:50 Jason Rilogio- “Recovery Community Organization”
11:50-12:40 LUNCH
12:40-1:15 Cambria County Veterans Court: “Observation & Results” Judge Timothy Creany, Cambria Co. Senior Judge & Cambria County District Attorney Greg Neugebauer
1:15-2:50 Highlands Health Group- Narcan: Training & Education
2:50-3:00 Program Wrap-Up/Questions & Answers

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.

Mindfulness Meditation Class for Veterans
2022-10-14 11:00 - 12:00
Join VA’s free, phone-based class called “Mindfulness Meditation.” Designed for Veterans of all eras, this class will help you manage the challenges and stressors of everyday life. Each class covers a topic related to mindfulness, followed by a guided meditation practice. Classes are available from 11a.m. to noon ET on these upcoming days: July 8, August 12, September 9, and October 14. Join any or all classes.

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

What is Beneath Trauma?
2022-09-28 11:00 - 13:00
What is Beneath Trauma?
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM MDT (start time 11 AM EST)

Location:
Virtual Presentation
Presented By:
Kirsten Belaire, LPC
We often understand that traumatic events impact us and we are also aware of the survival reactions to trauma.
Objectives of the training:

Understand trauma in the brain and in the central nervous system responses.
Identify behaviors or thought patterns that could indicate a client’s attempt to recover from trauma.
Increase cultural competence in working with our military community.

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

Out of the Darkness Elk County Walk
2022-09-25 13:30 - 17:00
The Out of the Darkness Community Walk is a journey of remembrance, hope, and support. It unites our communities and provides an opportunity to acknowledge the ways in which suicide and mental health conditions have affected our lives and the lives of those we love and care about.
Walk Date: 09/25/2022
Walk Location: Downtown Event Park on Depot Street, St. Mary’s
Walk Start Time: 1:30 pm
For more information, please contact:
Contact Name: Jesse Putkoski
Contact Phone: 412-510-9514
Contact Email: jputkoski@afsp.org
If you’re looking for support and/or resources, please visit www.afsp.org/get-help and www.afsp.org/resources.
Register!
Returning participant? Thank you for being a Walk Alumni! When you click the register button be sure to click the blue Login link under “Been Here Before?”
Having trouble registering? Click here to view a step-by-step guide. See FAQs below if you have any questions.
If you’ve already registered and would like to either create a new team or join an existing one, log into your account and click on the “change team membership” option on the right hand side of your dashboard tab (on mobile you’ll need to click “dashboard” first). View this video tutorial for more help.

Involving Significant Others in Suicide Prevention
2022-09-22 12:00 - 13:30
CDP Presents: Dyadic Interventions – Involving Significant Others in Suicide Prevention via Zoom
22 September 2022, Noon to 1:30 p.m. Eastern
Description: The Center for Deployment Psychology (CDP) will be hosting a 90-minute webinar entitled “Dyadic interventions: Involving Significant Others in Suicide Prevention.” Additional information, including an expanded event description, learning objectives and CE details, will be added as the event date nears.
Please note: Space in this event is limited and registration will close once capacity has been reached, even if this is before the final registration date.
Target Audience: For behavioral health/healthcare providers who treat military personnel, veterans, and their families.
Continuing Education Details:
Final CE approval is pending. This section will be updated in advance of the event.
The Center for Deployment Psychology is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Center for Deployment Psychology maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

TAPS: Choosing Wellness Webinar
2022-09-20 12:00 - 13:00
This session will present the evidence on how we can navigate difficulty and still flourish as human beings and become the CEO of our own lives. Eileen O’Grady, a nurse practitioner and wellness expert, will present ideas on how to practice self-leadership, form habits that serve us, and practice extreme self-care, no matter your circumstances. Register online.
This webinar is presented by the TAPS Institute for Hope and Healing®.
Presenter

Eileen O’Grady, PhD, RN, NP, PCC
Dr. O’Grady is a certified nurse practitioner and wellness coach, is founder of The School of Wellness, a group of practitioners dedicated to inspiring and providing practical tools to organizations and individuals to enable them to choose, practice and promote wellbeing. Dr. O’Grady has worked (virtually) across the United States in dozens of organizations leading discussions on wellbeing and resilience. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Health (George Washington University), a Master’s degree in Nursing and a PhD in Nursing (George Mason University). She is an author and editor of two textbooks, Advanced Practice Nursing: An Integrative Approach (7th ed., 2022) and Intentional Therapeutic Relationships: Advancing Caring in Health Care a how-to book on placing relationships at the center of health care (DesTEch, 2022). Her most recent book, Choosing Wellness: Unconventional Wisdom for the Overwhelmed, the Discouraged, the Addicted, the Fearful or the Stuck, (2021) is her most personal.

Program Details
This webinar is free and open to the public. Continuing education credit is not available.

About the TAPS Institute for Hope and Healing®
The TAPS Institute for Hope and Healing® is positioned to be the national and worldwide leader in training and education for bereavement professionals, bereaved individuals, and grieving military and civilian families.
Through an alliance with the Hospice Foundation of America, the foremost leader in professional grief and loss education, the Institute will serve as a resource and training center, providing a hub for high-quality collaboration between professionals working in the field of grief and loss.
The Institute is where practical information on coping with loss will be accessible for all who seek current strategies, the most effective tools, and best practices for supporting those who are grieving and those who serve the grieving.
TAPS has teamed with the Hospice Foundation of America to educate caregivers, mental health professionals, clergy, funeral directors, casualty officers, the bereaved themselves, and so many others on the best ways to travel the grief journey. Together at the Institute, the two organizations will provide workshops, seminars, panel discussions, and more to train professionals and help individuals and families thrive after loss.
TAPS Institute for Hope and Healing® is located at TAPS Headquarters, 3033 Wilson Blvd., Third Floor, Arlington, VA 22201
Email us at Institute@taps.org or give us a call at 800-959-8277 (TAPS) with any questions.

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.
