The Resilient Veteran

Promoting Suicide Prevention Among American Indian Service Members, Veterans, and their Families
2024-06-26 14:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York)
Date: June 26, 2024
Time: 2:00–3:30 p.m. ET
Register online
Overview
Hosted by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, this listening session seeks input from American Indian/Alaska Native Service Members, Veterans and their Families (SMVF), and community leaders serving this population.
Listening Session Goals

Better understand the views and concerns of tribal communities and find ways to build a strong tribal program for suicide prevention
Ensure representation and elevate Indigenous knowledge throughout all aspects of program planning and implementation

Understanding the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)
2024-06-18 12:00 - 13:30
Learn about the most widespread standardized suicide assessment tool, the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), a science-driven screening model to accurately assess suicidality, determine the risk level, and offer appropriate support.
Learn from the developer of the tool, Dr. Kelly Posner Gerstenhaber, Ph.D., clinical professor of medical psychology at Columbia University. She is the director of The Columbia Lighthouse Project, a nonprofit with a mission to teach the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) to therapists and clinicians. Dr. Posner will delve into the research behind the C-SSRS tool and offer practical insights on its implementation.
Join us on Zoom: Tuesday, June 18, 2024, 12:00–1:30 PM EDT/ 9:00–10:30 am PDT.
Register online
The seminar is free of charge. There is a CE credit processing fee of $30 for those seeking CE credit (see accreditation statement below).
This event is tailored to mental health professionals dedicated to suicide prevention and seeking to bolster their expertise in suicide risk assessment. Additionally, we extend our invitation to companies, organizations, and government entities committed to disseminating vital information on suicide prevention strategies.
Together, let us take proactive steps toward lowering the rates of suicide. We look forward to your participation in this informative workshop.

Caregiver Support Line
2024-06-12 19:00 - 20:00, 2024-06-04 10:00 - 11:00
Join the Caregiver Support Program this June
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Caregiver Support Program (CSP) is excited to continue virtual events for caregivers of Veterans. Check out June’s schedule below.

Find Time to Take Care of You
Join May’s VA Caregiver Support Line (CSL) Monthly Educational Calls for Balance in the Eye of the Storm: Self-Care when Caring for a Loved One with Mental Health Concerns. Calls will be held on the following dates and times:

Tuesday, June 4 at 10 a.m. ET
Wednesday, June 12 at 7 p.m. ET
Wednesday, June 26 at 3 p.m. ET

To listen to the CSL monthly education calls, dial +1 347-566-4838 Conference ID: 521 546 087#. Caregivers who are unable to listen to the calls can access presentations on the CSL webpage.
Reach Out to Your Caregiver Support Team!
Every VA facility has a Caregiver Support Team (CST). CST’s provide support and service referrals, and valuable information about resources to help you stay informed and supported as you care for your Veteran. Contact your local CST to learn about more events happening in your area.

Cultural Considerations for People at Risk for Suicide
2024-06-12 14:00 - 15:00
June 12 2024 2:00 ET
Presenter: Shannon Brown, LPC
Learn more and register

There is a need for staff to be aware of their own biases when providing care to Veterans, especially those at risk for suicide. As suicide rates remain high, engaging in mental health care can be a protective factor for these Veterans. By learning the cultural characteristics to consider, staff can gain competency and skills in providing inclusive, mindful, and equitable care for those they serve.

Following this live lecture, participants will be able to:

Summarize the impact of biases on patient care.
Describe the prevalence of suicide amongst diverse populations
Identify considerations in clinical care for diverse populations

Shannon Brown, LPC
Shannon Brown is a Licensed Mental Health Therapist and has been a Suicide Prevention Coordinator at the Erie, PA, Medical Center for the last seven years. She’s a member of the Erie VAMC Diversity and Inclusion Committee and on the subject matter expert panel for the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention (OMHSP) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee. She possesses extensive expertise in public speaking and presenting on topics related to mental health, suicide prevention, and culture.

QPR + CALM Training
2024-06-11 12:30 - 15:30
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.
CALM_flyer_Q22024-2 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!

Erie, PA VA Women Veterans Health and Wellness Expo
2024-06-08 11:00 - 15:00
When: Saturday, June 8, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Zem Zem Shrine Club (2525 W 38th St., Erie, PA 16506)
All women Veterans invited! Meet with your Erie VA Women’s Health Program team and community women organizations to learn about the women’s health services available.
Please join us to honor our Women Veterans and enjoy:
• Multiple Vendors
• Chair Massages
• Light Snacks
• Photo Booth
Please RSVP to the Women’s Health Program at 814-860-2907.

Reconnection Workshop
2024-06-08 10:00 - 11:30
Join the American Red Cross for Reconnection Workshop: Stress Solutions. Stress Solutions is a module designed to help service members, veterans and military families learn the benefits of healthy stress, recognize when stress is unhealthy and know what steps to take to effectively manage stress over the long term.
When: June 8th at 10am-11:30am
Where: Southwestern PA Chapter, 2801 Liberty Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15222
A free and confidential program from the American Red Cross, Reconnection Workshops help service members, veterans and their families returning home to friends, jobs and their communities. Skill-enhancing modules are offered in small groups, and participants can choose from a variety of topics, such as:
• Dealing with stress
• Communicating clearly
• Managing conflict
• Coping with depression
• Supporting children
For more information please email ryan.erdman@redcross.org

QPR + CALM Training
2024-06-04 13:00 - 17:00, 2024-05-24 09:00 - 12:00, 2024-05-14 10:00 - 13:00, 2024-04-18 12:00 - 15:00, 2024-04-05 14:00 - 17:00
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)
2024-06-03 12:00 - 13:00
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, June 3rd, 2024 from 12:00-1:00 PM
Friday, June 28th, 2024 from 12:00-1:00 PM
Monday, July 8th, 2024 from 12:00-1:00 PM
Friday, July 12th, 2024 from 12:00-1:00 PM
Friday, August 16th, 2024 from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Monday, August 19th, 2024 from 12:00-1:00 PM

Join the Caregiver Support Program
2024-05-22 15:00 - 16:00
Join the Caregiver Support Program
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Caregiver Support Program (CSP) is excited to continue virtual events for caregivers of Veterans.
A call will be held on Wednesday, May 22 at 3 p.m. ET
To listen to the CSL monthly education calls, dial +1 347-566-4838 Conference ID: 521 546 087#. Caregivers who are unable to listen to the calls can access presentations on the CSL webpage.
Reach Out to Your Caregiver Support Team!
Every VA facility has a Caregiver Support Team (CST). CST’s provide support and service referrals, and valuable information about resources to help you stay informed and supported as you care for your Veteran. Contact your local CST to learn about more events happening in your area.

SAFE Project | SAFE Veterans
2024-05-16 14:00 - 15:30
SAFE Project | SAFE Veterans
Date: May 16, 2024Time: 2:00–3:30 p.m. ET
Learning Objectives

Discover workshops geared toward supporting military families and caregivers
Learn how the Stop the Addiction Fatality Epidemic (SAFE) Project is working with civilian and Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals to educate on opioids and discuss alternatives
Understand how the SAFE Project is working to promote wellness among those who serve and their family members

Presenters

Kelly Niedzwiecki, M.M.A.S., Senior Director of SAFE Veterans, SAFE Project
Leslie Plaia, M.Ed., Executive Director, Substance Use and Behavioral Health, SAFE Project

Register online

Join the Caregiver Support Program
2024-05-15 19:00 - 20:00
Join the Caregiver Support Program
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Caregiver Support Program (CSP) is excited to continue virtual events for caregivers of Veterans. Check out May’s schedule below.
Calls will be held on the following dates and times:
Wednesday, May 15 at 7 p.m. ET
Wednesday, May 22 at 3 p.m. ET
To listen to the CSL monthly education calls, dial +1 347-566-4838 Conference ID: 521 546 087#. Caregivers who are unable to listen to the calls can access presentations on the CSL webpage.
Reach Out to Your Caregiver Support Team!
Every VA facility has a Caregiver Support Team (CST). CST’s provide support and service referrals, and valuable information about resources to help you stay informed and supported as you care for your Veteran. Contact your local CST to learn about more events happening in your area.

INTEGRATING TRAUMA INFORMED CARE INTO SUICIDE RESPONSE (ITIC)
2024-05-10 13:00 - 14:00
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:
• Friday, May 10th , 2024 from 1:00-2:00 PM

Cultural Considerations in DBT
2024-05-08 14:00 - 16:00
Cultural Considerations in DBT
May 8, 2023 at 2 PM ET
Learn more and register online
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based psychotherapy recommended by the VA and Department of Defense (DoD) joint clinical practice guidelines for the treatment and management of suicidality to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD) and self-directed violence. DBT training has not yet been rolled out nationally to VA facilities, though VA mental health providers have identified it as a high priority for future training needs. Adaptations of DBT and other interventions to the culturally diverse needs of the patient population are known to improve treatment engagement and effectiveness. This webinar will review the existing literature on cultural considerations in DBT and provide clinical recommendations designed to improve clinician cultural competency and clinical outcomes in a diverse patient population.
Following this live lecture, participants will be able to:

Identify the patient populations with whom DBT has been shown to be effective.
Describe the Biosocial Theory of BPD.
Describe the existing literature on cultural adaptations to DBT.
Recommend cultural adaptations to DBT implementation.

PRESENTER INFORMATION
Meredith Sears, Ph.D.

Meredith Sears, Ph.D., is a Suicide Prevention Coordinator at the San Francisco VA; a consultant for the national dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) training roll-out in VA’s Suicide Prevention 2.0 program; a Health Sciences Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of California, San Francisco; and the president of the Greater San Francisco Bay Area chapter board of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. From 2016 to 2023, Dr. Sears also served as the co-lead and training coordinator of the San Francisco VA DBT program.

Mind-Body Workshop
2024-05-04 10:00 - 11:30
Join the American Red Cross for Introduction to Mind-Body Skills. This workshop teaches:
• Breathing
• Mindfulness Techniques
• Stretching and Movement
• Body Awareness and Functioning
• Guided Imagery
When: May 4th at 10am-11:30am
Where: American Red Cross Southwestern PA Chapter, 2801 Liberty Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Service members, veterans and their families are taught how to improve their wellbeing through skills that connect the body with the mind. Attendees learn the foundational tools from which they can build a mind-body practice for themselves to reduce stress and improve personal wellness.
Who Should Attend this Workshop?
o Active duty service members
o Service-separated (all types) and retired veterans
o Members of the Guard and Reserves
o Family members, both dependent and non-dependent
For more information please email ryan.erdman@redcross.org

Learn Mental Health First Aid in Kittanning, PA
2024-04-30 08:00 - 16:00
Learn Mental Health First Aid in Kittanning, PA
WHY MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID?
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adults.
The course will teach you how to apply the MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE):
• Assess for risk of suicide or harm.
• Listen nonjudgmentally.
• Give reassurance and information.
• Encourage appropriate professional help.
• Encourage self-help and other support strategies.
WHO NEEDS TO KNOW MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID
• Employers.
• Police officers.
• Hospital staff.
• First responders.
• Caring individuals.
April 30, 2024 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: ACMH -Simulation Lab, Nolte Drive, Kittanning, PA 16201
Register now! Class limited to 16 participants. Register by emailing: ljohns@havinpa.org

ATP 5K - Run, Walk, Ruck
2024-04-28 08:00 - 13:00
ATP is a registered 510(c)(3) nonprofit, providing physical wellness and mental health services to Veterans & First Responders confidentially and free of charge through our Aurelius program. Individuals in our Aurelius program will receive a minimum of 3 physical wellness sessions per week, 4 Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) sessions per week, mental health counseling each week, and 2 adventure days per month for a total of 12 weeks. ATP also has programs for individuals living with neurological or chronic disease & illness, programs for kids, seniors, and athletes. We focus on incorporating strength and aerobic exercise, in combination with balance elements and movement patterns to take a whole body approach in improving functional performance and wellness.
First Annual ATP 5K – Run, Walk, & Ruck

All ages and fitness levels are welcome!
Registration Fee : $35 Adults, $30 Veterans/First Responders, $15 Children 12 and under
Learn more and register to attend online

Options to Run, Walk, or Ruck.

The first 75 participants will receive an ATP drawstring bag and ATP Shirt.
All proceeds benefit nonprofit Adventures in Training with a Purpose, and their military & first responder program, Aurelius.
Advance packet pickup available from AppRunCo on April 27th from 10:00am – 2:00pm. The address for packet pickup is 10616 Perry Hwy, Wexford, PA 15090
Day of registration begins at 7:30am. Registration ends promptly at 8:30am, no exceptions.
The race will begin at 9:00am at the North Park Boathouse: 10301 Pearce Mill Rd, Allison Park, PA 15101.
Post Race Party following the event at Latrobe Shelter & Playground. Address for the post race party is: 991 Tennis Ct Rd, Allison Park, PA 15101

Awards will be given to the following:
Overall Top 3 – Male
Overall Top 3 – Females
Top 3 Seniors (60+)- Male
Top 3 Seniors (60+)- Female
Top 3 Finishers – Children 12 & Under, Male
Top 3 Finishers – Children 12 & Under, Female
Top 3 Finishers – Ruck, Male
Top 3 Finishers – Ruck, Female
Ruck pack weights:
* If you weigh >150 lbs = 30 lb. Ruck Plate
* If you weigh < 150 lbs = 20 lb. Ruck Plate
– Water/Hydration. 1L minimum required. Hydration Bladder and a Nalgene recommended.
Following the race, we will have a post-race party on the second floor of the boathouse.

Packet Pickup Information
Advance packet pickup available from AppRunCo on April 27th from 10:00am – 2:00pm. The address for packet pickup is 10616 Perry Hwy, Wexford, PA 15090.

"Talk. They Hear You."® Resource for Military Families
2024-04-18 14:00 - 14:30
“Talk. They Hear You.”® Resource for Military Families
Date: April 18, 2024Time: 2:00–3:30 p.m. ET
Learning Objectives

Discuss ways to prevent underage drinking and other substance use among youth
Discover resources for parents, caregivers, community, partners, educators, and more about having informed conversations
Identify opportunities to empower the voices of military-affiliated youth

Presenter

Robert M. Vincent, M.S.Ed., Associate Administrator, Alcohol Prevention and Treatment Policy, Office of the Director, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) Center for Substance Use Prevention

samRegister Online

Intimate Partner Violence in the Military and Veteran Community
2024-04-16 12:30 - 14:00
Date: April 16, 2024Time: 12:30–2:00 p.m. ET
Register online

Join us for an informative webinar on the critical issue of intimate partner violence (IPV) within the Service members, Veterans, and their families (SMVF) community. As highlighted by the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) report, Intimate Partner Violence—A Risk Factor for Suicide Among Veterans, IPV is a significant concern for women Veterans and service members. Regardless of their rural or urban dwelling status, they face higher rates of IPV experiences than their civilian counterparts. However, IPV is not confined to women alone. It can affect anyone, irrespective of their gender or sexual orientation.

IPV is not just a risk factor for suicide, but also a gateway to a host of physical, mental, and social health problems. These include post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, substance misuse, financial difficulties, and homelessness.

In this webinar, we bring together experts from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the RAND Corporation, and VA to shed light on the implications of IPV. Attendees will gain an overview of IPV, including the latest data and research findings. We will delve into a recent study by RAND that focused on enhancing support for women Veterans.

Additionally, we will discuss federal initiatives related to IPV. Attendees will hear about the release of the first-ever U.S. National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence: Strategies for Action and SAMHSA’s related efforts. Moreover, there will be an opportunity to become familiar with VA’s IPV Assistance Program (IPVAP), including proactive measures taken by VA to assist SMVF affected by IPV.

We will explore how we can collectively support those who have been impacted by IPV. Following the presentations, we will open the floor for questions, providing you with the opportunity to engage directly with the subject-matter experts.

Join us as we strive to increase understanding of IPV and strengthen access to resources for those impacted by IPV within the SMVF community.

Learning Objectives

Explore the prevalence and impact of IPV within the SMVF community
Review the resources available for IPV intervention and support
Discover strategies to foster healing and recovery for those who have experienced IPV
Understand approaches to guide people who carry out IPV towards healthier relationship behaviors
Learn from best practices in identifying and addressing IPV

INTEGRATING TRAUMA INFORMED CARE INTO SUICIDE RESPONSE (ITIC)
2024-04-15 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:
• Monday, April 15th , 2024 from 2:00-3:00 PM
• Friday, May 10th , 2024 from 1:00-2:00 PM

Suicide Grief: Reducing Suicide Risk by Supporting Suicide Loss Survivors
2024-04-10 14:00 - 16:00
Suicide Grief: Reducing Suicide Risk by Supporting Suicide Loss Survivors
April 10, 2024 • 2:00pm ET
Survivors of suicide loss are at increased risk for suicide. Mental health clinicians should be informed and equipped to address the unique characteristics of suicide grief to best support loss survivors (e.g., Veterans, their loved ones, etc.). While there has been much focus on treating other mental health conditions that contribute to suicide risk, there has been less attention given to supporting individuals experiencing acute grief or treating prolonged grief disorder. This presentation aims to describe how suicide bereavement differs from bereavement from other causes of death, describing interventions appropriate for acute grief, and presenting an introduction to evidence-informed interventions for Prolonged Grief Disorder.
Following this live lecture, participants will be able to:

Identify how supporting loss survivors is a suicide prevention strategy.
Describe how grief after suicide loss differs from grief after loss from natural causes.
Identify differences between acute grief and Prolonged Grief Disorder.
Summarize treatment options to support Suicide Loss Survivors.

Register online

Suicide Prevention Symposium
2024-04-10 08:30 - 17:00
Wednesday, April 10 2024 8:30 AM — 5:00 PM EST
Tickets available online

The program will run from 8:30 am – 5:00 pm and will include lunch. Registration will open at 8:00 am. All events will be held in the Brent Auditorium in Jefferson Alumni Hall, 1020 Locust St, Philadelphia.
SCHEDULE
8:30 – 12:00 Understanding Ethical, Medico-Legal, and Treatment Issues in Individuals At-Risk of Suicide
12:00 – 12:45 Lunch
1:00 – 2:30 Secure Firearms Storage and Suicide Prevention
2:40 – 4:45 Safety-A Planning
Understanding Ethical, Medico-Legal, and Treatment Issues in Individuals At-Risk of Suicide, Dr. Lanny Berman
This workshop offers a deep dive into clinical standards of care for patients at risk of suicide. Evidence-based challenges to long-held (and misconceived) practices in assessing suicide risk will be offered; corrective strategies will be presented and linked to risk-based treatment planning. Medico-legal issues pertinent to the assessment and treatment of suicidal patients and based on malpractice cases will be discussed. In addition, ethical issues that arise in assessing and treating patients at risk, such as recognizing acute risk in patients who deny suicide ideation, dealing with non-adherence, decisions to hospitalize, confidentiality, split treatment, tel-mental health care, and standards of competence. Strategies to minimize potential complaints and the importance of documentation will be discussed.
Dr. Berman holds degrees from the Johns Hopkins University and the Catholic University of America. With over 50 years of experience, he has held significant roles in academia and suicide prevention organizations, authored or edited 9 books and more than 175 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on suicide and suicide prevention. He currently serves as an Adjunct Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, while also contributing to suicide prevention projects internationally and offering expert testimony in legal cases involving individuals who have died by suicide.
Secure Firearms Storage and Suicide Prevention, Dr. Mike Anestis
In this presentation, Dr. Anestis will discuss how secure firearm storage could help reduce the national suicide rate. Additionally, he will discuss the roles that different members of the community, not only clinicians, can play in promoting shifts in social norms around secure firearm storage. This presentation is non-partisan and focuses on methods for empowering firearm owners to increase their own safety and that of their loved ones.
Dr. Anestis is a clinical psychologist, the Executive Director of the New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, and an Associate Professor in the School of Public Health at Rutgers. His research focuses primarily on suicide prevention, with a particular emphasis on the role of firearms in both military and civilian populations. He is the author of over 200 peer-reviewed scientific articles and a book, entitled Guns and Suicide: An American Epidemic. He has been a named investigator in over $20 million in externally funded research projects, including serving as the PI on the initial trial of Project Safe Guard, a form of lethal means counseling. In 2018, Dr. Anestis received the Edwin Shneidman Award for early career achievement in suicide research.
Overview of SAFETY-A, Dr. Lucas Zullo
SAFETY-A (previously referred to as the Family Intervention for Suicide Prevention/FISP) is an evidence-based therapeutic assessment for youth suicide prevention. It is designed to gather information on the current level of suicide risk as well as provide a brief therapeutic intervention to mitigate this risk and establish safety. SAFETY-A is a family-focused intervention, with components to be used with the youth alone, caregiver alone, and family together. An overview of SAFETY-A will be provided along with video examples demonstrating the delivery of the intervention.
Dr. Zullo is an Assistant Professor at Thomas Jefferson University and the Clinical and Fellowship Director of the David Farber ASPIRE Center. Dr. Zullo has a passion for community-partnered, equity-driven care and is committed to making high-quality, evidence-based services available to all families seeking care at the ASPIRE Center. Dr. Zullo is one of the founders and co-leaders of the Trauma-Informed Suicide Prevention and Postvention Community of Practice within the National Child Traumatic Stress Network and his research focuses on quality improvement of clinical services, with an emphasis on care for LGBTQ+ youth at risk for suicide.
CEU, APA, and LSW/LCSW/LPC/LMFT credits offered from Drexel University. CE Statements below:
APA (Psychologists) Drexel University College of Medicine, Behavioral Healthcare Education is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Drexel University College of Medicine, Behavioral Healthcare Education maintains responsibility for the program and its content. This program is being offered for up to 7 hours of continuing education.
LSW/LCSW/LPC/LMFT (PA SBSWE Licensed Social Workers in Pennsylvania) Drexel University College of Medicine is a preapproved provider of continuing education for Social Workers and Clinical Social Workers. This program is being offered for up to 7 hours of continuing education.

Building Bridges Between Crisis Services and the Communities They Serve
2024-04-10 08:00 - 2024-04-11 17:00
The Crisis Intervention Association of Pennsylvania
Building Bridges Between Crisis Services and the Communities They Serve
April 10 & 11, 2024
Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Seven Springs, PA
**Reception featuring Scott Blasey from The Clarks**
Register online
View the complete conference guide.
Objectives
• Address special areas of interest including: trauma informed care, traumatic events, community safety and crisis skill building;
• Identify crisis intervention strategies for working with specific populations;
• Discuss methods and techniques that crisis workers can use in assessing and responding to crisis situations;
• Develop an understanding of the frustrations of those struggling to overcome the effects of mental health stigma.
Keynote Presenter:
Mandy Fauble, PhD
Dr. Fauble is a licensed clinical social worker, earning her PhD at Case Western in 2009. She has been a full time social worker since 2002 as a therapist, supervisor, program director and
agency administrator. Dr. Fauble is also an adjunct professor at Mercyhurst University and PennWest Edinboro.
The Crisis Intervention Association of Pennsylvania (CIAP) was organized in 1973. The mission of the CIAP is to promote and enhance quality crisis services for individuals, families
and communities in Pennsylvania. The CIAP will provide a forum for open communication between crisis intervention providers and other mental health professionals statewide.
The CIAP acts as an advocate by providing a unified voice, at both the state and regional levels by participating and helping to influence the development of legislation and regulations which impacts crisis intervention services. The CIAP strives to provide and promote opportunities for crisis intervention, education, training and annual conference.

Learn Mental Health First Aid in Kittanning, PA
2024-04-08 08:00 - 16:00
Learn Mental Health First Aid in Kittanning, PA
WHY MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID?
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adults.
The course will teach you how to apply the MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE):
• Assess for risk of suicide or harm.
• Listen nonjudgmentally.
• Give reassurance and information.
• Encourage appropriate professional help.
• Encourage self-help and other support strategies.
WHO NEEDS TO KNOW MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID
• Employers.
• Police officers.
• Hospital staff.
• First responders.
• Caring individuals.
Two dates to choose from: April 8, 2024 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. OR April 30, 2024 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: ACMH -Simulation Lab, Nolte Drive, Kittanning, PA 16201
Register now! Class limited to 16 participants. Register by emailing: ljohns@havinpa.org

DoD Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Summit
2024-04-05 10:00 - 14:00
Friday, April 5 · 10am – 2pm EDT

DoD Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Summit
Join us for the DoD Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Summit at the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center in Carlisle, PA, USA. This in-person event (no fee) aims to raise awareness and prevent sexual assault within the military & civilian community for SAAPM. Together, we’ll hear from a military survivor, learn from panel discussions from professionals in the community, and share resources. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with experts, survivors, and advocates in the field. Let’s work towards a future free from sexual assault in our armed forces.
This event is open to all – civilian, military members, and military spouses.

Register to attend
