The Resilient Veteran

Preventing Substance Use Disorders Among Military Youth
2024-03-28 14:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York)
Risk and Protective Factors Unique to Military Youth
Date: March 28, 2024Time: 2:00–3:30 p.m. ET
Learning Objectives

Understand potential risk and protective factors for substance use among military-affiliated youth
Identify national resources that are available to mitigate substance use risk among military-affiliated youth
Illustrate the importance of a trauma-informed approach in responding to the needs of military-affiliated youth

Presenter

Gregory Leskin, Ph.D., Director, National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) Military and Veteran Families, UCLA National Center for Child Traumatic Stress

Register online

QPR Train the Trainer Session
2024-03-28 08:00 - 17:00
The Armstrong County Suicide Prevention Task Force will offer a QPR train the trainer session. This is the evidenced-based certified QPR instructor program that qualifies a trainer for 3 years.
Date: March 28, 8 am to 4:30 pm
Location: 120 S Grant Ave, Suite 3, Kittanning, PA 16201
Cost: $750.00 / PP
Registration deadline is March 22.
Register by calling 814-731-8335 or completing the online form.
https://forms.gle/4WK9ynbXQV8w4uMk8

Mental Health Crisis Planning: How to Develop a Proactive Strategy
2024-03-27 19:00 - 20:30
Wednesday, March 27, 2024, from 7:00 to 8:30 pm ET
Register Now
Caregivers often find themselves hoping for the best, while preparing for the worst. When your loved one is facing a mental health crisis, they may not be able to communicate their preferences for care. For caregivers to be effective, they need to have the right resources and support. This is when having a crisis plan – which may include a Psychiatric Advance Directive (PAD) – becomes crucial.
In this webinar offered by Families for Depression Awareness, you will hear firsthand experiences of people with mental health challenges who used a Psychiatric Advance Directive to support their journey in recovery.
You will learn about the key components of a crisis plan and practical strategies for caregiver involvement in the crisis planning process. Join us for this informative webinar and gain the knowledge and tools you need to navigate mental health crises with confidence.

QPR + CALM Training
2024-03-27 14:00 - 17:00, 2024-03-13 08:30 - 11:30, 2024-02-27 11:00 - 14:00, 2024-02-09 09:00 - 12:00, 2024-01-29 09:00 - 13:00, 2024-01-25 13:00 - 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.
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!

INTEGRATING TRAUMA INFORMED CARE INTO SUICIDE RESPONSE (ITIC)
2024-03-19 14:00 - 15:00
INTEGRATING TRAUMA INFORMED CARE INTO SUICIDE RESPONSE (ITIC)
Suicide Prevention Training
The Integrating Trauma Informed Care into Suicide Response course will describe the role of trauma in both risk for suicide behaviors and in coping with suicide loss. It is a one-hour virtual training primarily designed for those who work with people at risk for suicide, such as health care providers and social service professionals.
The curriculum covers the role of trauma in suicide risk, the SAMHSA principles of trauma informed care, as well as specific trauma informed strategies to utilize with survivors of suicide.
Trainings are open to anyone and will be delivered virtually, via Zoom.
Funded by the CDC’s Division of Injury Prevention
Call: 878-208-8186
Email: pag109@pitt.edu
SIGN-UP TODAY!
https://tinyurl.com/4p6kamf7
Upcoming ITIC Training Sessions:
• Tuesday, March 19th , 2024 from 2:00-3:00 PM
• Monday, April 15th , 2024 from 2:00-3:00 PM
• Friday, May 10th , 2024 from 1:00-2:00 PM

Butler County Mental Health First Aid Training
2024-03-19 08:30 - 16:30
Free youth and adult in-person mental health first aid training courses available to those living/working in Butler County.
The in-person training is an 8-hour program held at the UL Conference Room at the Butler County Human Services Building (directions to be sent out once registration is closed).
To register for training, please email Lena Southworth at lsouthworth@ccrinfo.org and Samantha Hite at shite@ccrinfo.org
In Person Adult Mental Health First Aid Class Options:
Tuesday, March 19th, 2024, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Registration deadline: Friday, March 8, 2024
In Person Youth Mental Health First Aid:
Tuesday February 6, 2024, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Registration deadline: Friday, January 26, 2024
AFTER THE COURSE, YOU’LL BE ABLE TO:
• Recognize common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges.
• Recognize common signs and symptoms of substance use challenges.
• Understand how to interact with a person in crisis.
• Know how to connect a person with help.
• Use self-care tools and techniques

Preventing Suicide among Veterans Experiencing Homelessness
2024-03-13 14:00 - 15:00
This live, knowledge-based virtual presentation for interprofessional healthcare teams will review that suicide among Veterans experiencing or at risk for homelessness is substantially greater than rates among Veterans with no history of housing instability. To further understand the complex and unique needs of these Veterans, we will review research examining drivers of risk and protective factors. We will further offer methods of conceptualizing social determinants of health, such as housing instability, and mental health in the context of empirically-supported, holistic frameworks. We will then review clinical considerations to enhancing practice and tailoring suicide prevention care.
This program will help bridge the gap for providers working with Veterans experiencing homelessness by discussing important and novel approaches for understanding the needs of homeless Veterans as well as resources and tools that providers can access to enhance their discharge and treatment planning.
Mar 13, 2024 2:00 PM EDT – 3:00 PM EDT
Register online.

1st Annual Veterans Chow Hall in Erie, PA
2024-03-09 10:30 - 14:00
1st Annual Veterans Chow Hall
An event presented by Bodhi Garden Initiative and the Robert Irvine Foundation
Veterans Chow Hall at Voodoo Brewery
716 State St
Erie PA 16501
Saturday, March 9, 2024
11 AM – 2:00 PM EDT
Register online to attend!
Register today to attend the “1st Annual Veteran Chow Hall” at Voodoo Brewery located in the historic Boston Store in downtown Erie, PA. The event aims to raise awareness for Veteran suicide prevention and will feature a menu designed by celebrity chef Robert Irvine and prepared by U.S. Marine Veteran and chef Shane Cash.
Suicide is a public health concern and a leading cause of death in the United States. More investment in suicide prevention, education, and research will prevent the untimely deaths of thousands of Americans each year. In Pennsylvania, suicide ranks among the top 10 causes of death for ages 64 and younger. Veterans may be more susceptible to suicide due to the physical and mental stresses that are common among former and active military.
Throughout the 15-county region of Northwest Pennsylvania, Pitt’s Veteran Suicide Prevention Program collaborates with healthcare partners, community organizations, Veterans, and their families to eliminate suicide deaths. By focusing on resiliency and protective factors, the program aims to improve access to treatment and support services, increase awareness of suicide risk, and provide targeted suicide prevention activities and training opportunities. The program’s public-facing materials, resources, and events can be found at TheResilientVeteran.org
Veterans and their families are invited to attend the luncheon. You can also email Michael Shannon at Bodhi@Bodhigardeninitiative.com to register or receive additional information.

Suicide Prevention and End of Life
2024-03-07 15:00 - 16:30
This live, knowledge-based webinar, for interprofessional healthcare teams, will cover suicidality at end of life. This webinar will discuss the unique issues of desire for hastened death and suicidality at end of life. Participants will learn the differences between desire for hastened death and suicidality. Contributing and risk factors for both suicidality and desire for hastened death will be discussed. Participants will discuss practical approaches to risk assessment and interventions in the context of end of life. There are many physical and psychological symptoms common at the end of life. Symptoms will vary depending on disease, treatments (past and current), and past history, as well as many other factors. Optimum treatment of symptoms involves comprehensive assessment and use of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions. Clinical teams must work collaboratively in symptom management which will improve the quality of life for Veterans and their families. This module explores several common symptoms that Veterans with life-threatening diseases and serious illness experience.

Location: VHA TRAIN

Access Links: Non-VA employees click here. VA employees click here.
Audience: Social workers, physicians, nurses, pharmacists and psychologists
Modality: Virtual conference (webinar)
Credit/hours: 1
Accreditations: ACCME, ACCME-NP, ACPE, ANCC, APA, ASWB, JAIPCE, NYSED-P, NYSED-SW
Questions?: If you require assistance, please contact the VHA TRAIN Help Desk by email at vhatrain@va.gov.

QPR at Slippery Rock University, Butler, PA
2024-03-07 09:00 - 11:00
QPR at Slippery Rock University, Butler, PA
Learn How To…
Identify myths & facts about suicide
Recognize the signs that someone may be contemplating suicide
Persuade the person to stay alive long enough to get help
Refer to a professional for help to get them through the crisis
Ask Questions to assess the situation
March 7, 2024 9:00am
Butler SUCCEED
150 N Main St, Butler
Register online at http://tiny.cc/BCQPR
For more information contact Amy Cirelli at 724-284-5114

ASIST Workshop in Warren, PA
2024-03-05 08:30 - 2024-03-06 16:30
ASIST Training: Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training
March 5 & 6, 2024 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (both days)
Hosted by: Beacon Light
1885 Market Street, Warren, PA 16365
Cost: FREE
Learn the skills. Suicide is Preventable. Help save a life.
** Free CEUs will be provided in EMS/LSW/LPC/LMFT from UPMC.
Questions? Call 878-208-8186 or email pag109@pitt.edu
Register using the QR code or https://rb.gy/j4oea
ASIST is a two-day, highly participatory workshop in which participants learn to use a suicide intervention model to identify individuals with thoughts of suicide, seek a shared understanding of reasons for dying and living, develop a safety plan based upon a review of risk, and learn how to provide active follow-up.

Recognize that caregivers and persons at risk are affected by personal and societal attitudes about suicide.
Discuss suicide in a direct manner with someone at risk.
Identify risk alerts and develop related safety plans.
Demonstrate the skills required to intervene with a person at risk of suicide.
List the types of resources available to a person at risk, including themselves.
Make a commitment to improving community resources.
Recognize that suicide prevention is broader than suicide first-aid and includes life promotion and self-care for caregivers.

Community Resilience Conference
2024-03-01 08:00 - 17:00
Building Domains of Resilience: Purpose. Perspective. Relationship. Wellness.
3rd Annual Erie County Community Resilience Conference
Building Domains of Resilience: Purpose. Perspective. Relationship. Wellness.
Friday, March 1st, 2024
CONFERENCE DETAILS
• This conference will be a virtual event.
o General Admission is FREE, but you MUST register to receive the Zoom links.
o If you require Continuing Education Credits, fees may apply.
• If you cannot join us on March 1st, but would like to view the sessions, all sessions will be recorded and made available via our website for 60 days after the conference.

Empowering the Behavioral Health Workforce to Meet the Needs of Service Members, Veterans, and their Families
2024-02-22 14:00 - 15:30
Empowering the Behavioral Health Workforce to Meet the Needs of Service Members, Veterans, and their Families
The behavioral health workforce shortage throughout the United States is well documented. At the same time, there is a growing demand for military culturally responsive services for service members, Veterans, and their families (SMVF). This learning community will examine strategies to strengthen and empower the behavioral health workforce to meet the unique needs of SMVF.
The learning community will meet monthly beginning in December 2023 via Zoom. Each session will feature both expert presentations and group discussions.

Session 3: Educating Civilian Providers

Date: February 22, 2024Time: 2:00–3:30 p.m. ET
Register Online

Learning Objectives

Demonstrate the critical need for civilian providers to be military-culturally responsive and aware of unique risk and protective factors for SMVF in their care
Identify training opportunities for civilian providers to increase their knowledge and readiness to serve SMVF
Highlight opportunities to demonstrate an organization’s commitment and readiness to serve SMVF

Presenter

Jenna Pryor, Vice President of Implementation, Learning & Evaluation, PsychArmor

Ketamine for Depression and Suicide Prevention in VA
2024-02-14 14:00 - 15:30
Ketamine for Depression and Suicide Prevention in VA
February 14 2024 2:00 ET Eric Hermes, MD
Visit https://www.mirecc.va.gov/visn19/cpg/webinar.asp for information and to register.

Treatment-resistant depression and suicidality are common and interrelated problems for Veterans. Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic drug that has recently been investigated as a treatment option. Eric Hermes, MD, will review the history and role of ketamine in the treatment of depression and suicidality and discuss the implementation of ketamine delivery programs across VA. This webinar will improve participant’s understanding of the role of ketamine in VA mental health treatment.

Following this live webinar, particpants will be able to:

Define treatment-resistant depression and its approximate prevalence among Veterans using VA services.
Identify the role of ketamine in the treatment of Veterans with depression and suicidality in VA.
Describe the deployment of ketamine and other somatic treatment programs across VA.

Eric Hermes, MD
Dr. Hermes is the Director for Psychopharmacology and Somatic Treatments in the VA Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. He is a psychiatrist and associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the Yale University School of Medicine, where he studies implementation and quality improvement in mental health services.

Advancing the Science on Peer Support and Suicide Prevention
2024-02-12 11:00 - 15:30, 2024-02-08 11:00 - 16:00
Advancing the Science on Peer Support and Suicide Prevention 2-Day Workshop

This virtual workshop is hosted by the National Institute of Mental Health on Thursday, February 8th and Monday, February 12th.
Peer support services specifically intended to contribute to suicide risk reduction are becoming more prominent in healthcare systems and community settings. Such services can be used to address barriers for receiving proven interventions, while also improving hope, connection, recovery, and empowerment. Despite emerging research on the effectiveness and implementation of these models, there are research gaps that could lead to missed opportunities in optimizing them. This NIMH-sponsored workshop will bring together experts in peer support suicide prevention to discuss relevant conceptual frameworks, recent advances in understanding what works and for whom, service settings and service-user characteristics that inform intervention strategies across the crisis services continuum, digital and tele-health applications, considerations for youth, and equity considerations. The workshop will identify innovative advancements and areas that need additional research as the field moves forward.

About this event

This is a virtual event. A zoom link will be sent to you prior to the event date. There is no cost to attend and CEUs are not provided.
See the full schedule and register online.

Butler County Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
2024-02-06 08:30 - 16:30
Free youth and adult in-person mental health first aid training courses available to those living/working in Butler County.
The in-person training is an 8-hour program held at the UL Conference Room at the Butler County Human Services Building (directions to be sent out once registration is closed).
To register for training, please email Lena Southworth at lsouthworth@ccrinfo.org and Samantha Hite at shite@ccrinfo.org
In Person Youth Mental Health First Aid:
Tuesday February 6, 2024, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Registration deadline: Friday, January 26, 2024
In Person Adult Mental Health First Aid Class Options:
Tuesday, March 19th, 2024, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Registration deadline: Friday, March 8, 2024
AFTER THE COURSE, YOU’LL BE ABLE TO:
• Recognize common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges.
• Recognize common signs and symptoms of substance use challenges.
• Understand how to interact with a person in crisis.
• Know how to connect a person with help.
• Use self-care tools and techniques

Treating Comorbid PTSD and Substance Use Disorder
2024-01-30 12:00 - 13:30
Treating Comorbid PTSD and Substance Use Disorder
January 30, 2024
9:00-10:30 am Pacific
10am MT – 11am CT – 12pm ET
Location:
Virtual location
You will receive a confirmation email with a URL.
Register online
Presented by:
Sonya B. Norman, PhD
Description:
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) rarely occurs on its own yet comorbid conditions can complicate treatment and impact treatment outcomes. In this lecture, we will learn about two common co-occurring conditions. We will discuss the comorbidity of PTSD and substance use disorder (SUD). SUD is one of the most prevalent comorbidities among those with PTSD. Topics will include why these two disorders often co-occur and how those who have both differ from those who have either PTSD or SUD in terms of their physical and mental health and treatment outcomes. We will review research on how to effectively treat those who have both PTSD and SUD. The focus of the lecture will be on clinical strategies to use when treating clients who have PTSD+SUD.
More Information Contact:
Organizer: Katie Stenger, (716) 673-5017

ASIST Training in Pittsburgh
2024-01-30 08:00 - 2024-01-31 16:00
ASIST Training: Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training
January 30-31, 2024 8 AM – 4 PM (both days)
Hosted by: Veterans Leadership Program
2934 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost: FREE
Learn the skills. Suicide is Preventable. Help save a life.
** Free CEUs will be provided in EMS/LSW/LPC/LMFT from UPMC.
Questions? Call 878-208-8186 or email pag109@pitt.edu
Register using the QR code or https://rb.gy/j4oea
ASIST is a two-day, highly participatory workshop in which participants learn to use a suicide intervention model to identify individuals with thoughts of suicide, seek a shared understanding of reasons for dying and living, develop a safety plan based upon a review of risk, and learn how to provide active follow-up.

Recognize that caregivers and persons at risk are affected by personal and societal attitudes about suicide.
Discuss suicide in a direct manner with someone at risk.
Identify risk alerts and develop related safety plans.
Demonstrate the skills required to intervene with a person at risk of suicide.
List the types of resources available to a person at risk, including themselves.
Make a commitment to improving community resources.
Recognize that suicide prevention is broader than suicide first-aid and includes life promotion and self-care for caregivers.

Mental Health America of Southwestern PA's Virtual Annual Conference
2024-01-26 08:30 - 15:30
Mental Health America of Southwestern PA’s (MHA-SWPA) Virtual Annual Conference is quickly approaching!
Our virtual conference this year is entitled Perspectives: Cultivating a Lifetime of Mental Wellness, and will address current issues across the lifespan, concerning both adult and youth populations. Register online.
Through the annual conference, MHA-SWPA continues to provide opportunities for professional growth, with expert speakers on compelling topics regarding behavioral health and wellness. Our target audience is Mental Health Professionals, Counselors, Social Workers, LPCs, Nurses, Peer Specialists, Certified Recovery Specialists and Community Members.
Cost to attend is $39.00 if registering by December 15th, but if you work at an MHA, you may register at half that cost by using the Promo Code MHACONF50.
Student discounts are available, as are scholarships for those with lived experience. Email conference@mhaswpa.org for details.
Through the generous support of our sponsors, MHA-SWPA continues to provide opportunities for professional growth, with expert speakers on compelling topics regarding behavioral health and wellness.
Check out the registration booklet to choose your workshops, then register below, indicating professional license type if applicable.
A special note of thanks to Premier Co-Sponsors UPMC Health Plan and UPMC | Community Care Behavioral Health Organization for providing their generous support in a variety of ways including hosting the conference platform.

Empowering the Behavioral Health Workforce to Meet the Needs of Service Members, Veterans, and their Families
2024-01-18 14:00 - 15:30
Empowering the Behavioral Health Workforce to Meet the Needs of Service Members, Veterans, and their Families
The behavioral health workforce shortage throughout the United States is well documented. At the same time, there is a growing demand for military culturally responsive services for service members, Veterans, and their families (SMVF). This learning community will examine strategies to strengthen and empower the behavioral health workforce to meet the unique needs of SMVF.
The learning community will meet monthly beginning in December 2023 via Zoom. Each session will feature both expert presentations and group discussions.

Session 2: Expanding Faith-Based Partnerships

Date: January 18, 2024Time: 2:00–3:30 p.m. ET
Register Online

Learning Objectives

Illustrate the vital role of faith communities in supporting the behavioral health needs of SMVF
Highlight a state example of faith-based partnerships positively impacting the lives of SMVF experiencing substance use or mental health conditions
Discover resources and programs for faith-based initiatives

Presenter

Monty Burks, Deputy Director, Tennessee Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives

Session 3: Educating Civilian Providers

Date: February 22, 2024Time: 2:00–3:30 p.m. ET
Register Online

Learning Objectives

Demonstrate the critical need for civilian providers to be military-culturally responsive and aware of unique risk and protective factors for SMVF in their care
Identify training opportunities for civilian providers to increase their knowledge and readiness to serve SMVF
Highlight opportunities to demonstrate an organization’s commitment and readiness to serve SMVF

Presenter

Jenna Pryor, Vice President of Implementation, Learning & Evaluation, PsychArmor

Supporting Evidence-Based Practice Implementation In Settings Serving Veterans Who Have Experienced Homelessness
2024-01-17 13:00 - 14:00
Wednesday, January 17, 2024: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EST
Presented by VA’s Homeless Programs Office, National Center on Homelessness among Veterans, in collaboration with VHA’s Institute for Learning, Education and Development (ILEAD)
Audience: Participants may include but are not limited to physicians, nurses, dentists, psychologists, social workers, counselors, case managers, housing specialists, peer specialists, occupational therapy practitioners, team leaders, supervisors, Network Homeless Coordinators, staff working in VA’s homeless programs and all professionals supporting Veterans experiencing housing insecurity.
Modality: Virtual conference (webinar)
Credit/hours: 1
Accreditations: ACCME, ACCME-NP, ANCC, APA, ASWB, NBCC, ADA, NYSED, SW, AOTA, CRCC
Overview:
The purpose of this live, virtual, knowledge-based session is to describe strategies that support the implementation of evidence-based practices in settings serving homeless Veterans, using the case example of a national initiative to implement Critical Time Intervention (CTI) in 32 VA Grant and Per Diem (GPD) case management sites. This project was funded by the VA Quality Enhancement Research Initiative (QUERI).
Ending Veteran homelessness is an urgent national priority. By investing in robust health and housing services for homeless-experienced Veterans (HEVs), the VA has made tremendous strides in addressing Veteran homelessness. Veterans who remain homeless despite these services are extraordinarily vulnerable; at present, 41% of HEVs are unsheltered, living on the streets, in abandoned buildings, or other places not intended for human habitation. To further VA’s goal of ending Veteran homelessness, there is a pressing need to identify effective practices that support the scale up, spread, and sustainment of evidence-based practices (EBPs) across the broad range of VA services and community-based organizations that serve HEVs.
One such service is VA’s GPD program, which is considered a cornerstone of VA’s strategic plan to end Veteran homelessness. Operated by VA’s community partners, this program provides long-term (up to 24 months) transitional housing and supportive services for HEVs. Many HEVs transition from GPD sites into independent housing, but GPD case management ceases at the transition out of GPD sites, leaving many HEVs without support. Several years ago, Congress required VA to address this quality gap; in March 2019, VA awarded $30 million to 128 GPD sites to provide 6 months of case management (known as the GPD case management program) for HEVs transitioning to independent living and not otherwise receiving case management.
At present, no specific case management paradigm is required in the GPD case management program, resulting in significant practice variation across sites. If implemented nationally, Critical Time Intervention—an evidence-based, structured, and time-limited case management model—would standardize and improve case management delivered in the GPD case management program. However, very few GPD case management staff have prior experience delivering EBPs or engaging in agency wide EBP implementation. Partnered with the GPD National Program Office, our team is implementing Critical Time Intervention in 32 GPD case management sites, supported by a robust training and technical assistance program. Half of these sites also receive “coaching,” or tailored support for providers and leaders in their efforts to adopt and incorporate EBPs into their routine care processes.
This session will share our experiences with implementing Critical Time Intervention, as a case example that describes potential supports for EBP implementation in settings that serve HEVs. We will highlight lessons learned from this implementation initiative and engage with the audience to discuss ways to support the implementation of other EBPs in VA and community-partnered contexts that work with HEVs.
Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this educational program, learners will be able to:

Describe challenges to evidence-based practice implementation in settings serving homeless Veterans.
Identify strategies used to support the implementation of Critical Time Intervention in VA Grant and Per Diem case management programs.
Apply lessons learned from the implementation of Critical Time Intervention to bolster other evidence-based practice implementation efforts in VA homeless programs.

Registration: To receive credit for attending, VA employees need to register in TMS before the training begins:
To find a course when logging into TMS:
Go to Learning, scroll down to My Learning, type in Course # and Title
VA 131011449 Supporting Evidence-Based Practice Implementation In Settings Serving Veterans Who Have Experienced Homelessness
Be sure to click Register Now rather than Assign to Me or Start Course
If you are external to the VA or Non VA staff you must have a registered TRAIN account AND register for this training in TRAIN PRIOR to commencing training, failure to do so will result in CEUs not being awarded.
If you do not have a TRAIN account please click the link: https://vha.train.org.
VA staff register here
Non-VA staff Register here
*Note The Non-VA staff registration link is currently unavailable. Non-VA staff will be able to register when the TRAIN registration link is active.
For questions with TMS and TRAIN registration, please contact clarice.lewis@va.gov or lee.furry@va.gov
For audio, please use computer and connect audio through the TEAMS speakers.
For more information on education opportunities, please email Derrick Crowley, Management Analyst, Derrick.crowley@va.gov
The National Center on Homelessness among Veterans promotes the development of policy and practice that targets ending and preventing Veteran homelessness through supporting the implementation of relevant research findings into clinical practice, providing education and training for VA and community partners, disseminating evidence-based and emerging best practices and developing new empirical knowledge.
To learn more, visit: http://www.va.gov/homeless/nchav/

INTEGRATING TRAUMA INFORMED CARE INTO SUICIDE RESPONSE (ITIC)
2024-01-17 11:00 - 12:00
INTEGRATING TRAUMA INFORMED CARE INTO SUICIDE RESPONSE (ITIC)
Suicide Prevention Training
The Integrating Trauma Informed Care into Suicide Response course will describe the role of trauma in both risk for suicide behaviors and in coping with suicide loss. It is a one-hour virtual training primarily designed for those who work with people at risk for suicide, such as health care providers and social service professionals.
The curriculum covers the role of trauma in suicide risk, the SAMHSA principles of trauma informed care, as well as specific trauma informed strategies to utilize with survivors of suicide.
Trainings are open to anyone and will be delivered virtually, via Zoom.
Funded by the CDC’s Division of Injury Prevention
Call: 878-208-8186
Email: pag109@pitt.edu
SIGN-UP TODAY!
https://tinyurl.com/4p6kamf7
Upcoming ITIC Training Sessions:
• Monday, December 11th , 2023 from 10:00-11:00 AM
• Wednesday, January 17th , 2024 from 11:00AM-12:00 PM

An Environmental Scan of Suicide Prevention Resources for Older Veterans in Primary Care
2024-01-10 14:00 - 15:30
January 10, 2024 @ 2:00PM ET
Presenters: Jennifer L. Sullivan, PhD and Kelly O’Malley, PhD
Previous research has identified the critical role of primary care in suicide prevention. Although several suicide prevention resources for primary care already exist, it is unclear how many have been created specifically for older Veterans. This environmental scan sought to assemble a compendium of suicide prevention resources to be utilized in primary care. Jenny Sullivan, PhD, and Kelly O’Malley, PhD will share how providers can bridge the knowledge gap when it comes to suicide risk management for older Veterans seen in primary care.
Following this live webinar, participants will be able to:

Describe suicide prevention in Primary Care
Discuss available resources identified in an environmental scan
Identify clinical implications and future research

Learn more and register online.

ACORN: An Overview of a VHA Social Risk Screening and Social Needs Referral Initiative
2024-01-10 12:00 - 13:00
Focus on Health Equity and Action Cyberseminar Series
Upcoming Session:
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
12PM – 1PM (ET)
Learn More About the Session
Register
Title: Assessing Circumstances and Offering Resources for Needs (ACORN): An Overview of a VHA Social Risk Screening and Social Needs Referral Initiative
Description:
Hospitals and health systems, including the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), are increasingly working to identify patients’ social risks and address social needs as part of clinical care. Assessing Circumstances and Offering Resources for Needs (ACORN) is a VHA social risk screening and referral program that aims to identify and address unmet social needs among all Veterans to improve health outcomes and advance health equity. This session will provide an overview of ACORN, including background on the development of the initiative, information about the ACORN Dashboard, and research and clinical implications.
Presenters:
Alicia Cohen, MD, MSc (she | hers)

Core Investigator, VA HSR&D Center of Innovation in Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS-COIN)
Primary Care Physician, Women’s Health Clinic and Homeless Clinic, VA Providence Healthcare System
Co-lead, VHA Assessing Circumstances and Offering Resources for Needs (ACORN) Initiative
Assistant Professor of Family Medicine and Health Services, Policy, and Practice, Brown University Medical School and School of Public Health

Sarah Leder, MSW (she | hers)

Health Systems Specialist, Office of Health Equity
Specialist, VHA Assessing Circumstances and Offering Resources for Needs (ACORN) Dashboard, Data, and Evaluation Team
Lauren Russell, MPH, MPP (she | hers)
Social Determinants of Health Lead and Health System Specialist, VHA Office of Health Equity
Co-lead, VHA Assessing Circumstances and Offering Resources for Needs (ACORN) Initiative

Intended audience:
Researchers, clinicians, care coordinators, policy makers, educators, data analysts, Veteran stakeholders and representatives of vulnerable Veteran groups who are interested in understanding and/or promoting equitable health among all Veterans.

Past Sessions
Use the following links, or continue reading on this page, for information on:

About the Focus on Health Equity and Action Cyberseminars
The VHA Office of Health Equity (OHE) in partnership with the VA Health Services Research and Development (HSR&D) launched the Focus on Health Equity and Action Cyberseminars. Each cyberseminar spotlights activities that promote the implementation of the VHA Health Equity Action Plan (HEAP), and aims to:

Catalyze, synergize, and coordinate VHA programs, projects, and initiatives to effectively identify, understand, seek and implement solutions to diminish and where possible eliminate health disparities;
Demonstrate alignment with other federal partners working to achieve health equity;
Bring focus to VHA efforts to provide a more equitable, individualized and patient-driven health care delivery system;
Improve overall quality of care through equity in all policies and the achievement of health equity for all;
Incorporate the innovative ideas and input of all users in order to encourage a bottom up approach while maintaining a strong connection to the overarching goals of the VA;
Capitalize on the existing network of advocates and programs in both administrative and clinical realms to weave health equity dialogue and cultural attunement into training and other activities within and outside the health care system; and
Serve as a guide and/or starting place that would remain a living document which is open to modification and adaptation to continuously meet the needs of the Veterans entrusted to the VHA.
