The Resilient Veteran

Counseling on Access to Lethal Means Training (CALM)
2025-08-21 15:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York)
1 hour
This activity is approved for the following credit: ACPE CPE, AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, ANCC, ASWB, ACPE and AAPA Category 1 CME.
Audience
This training is appropriate for mental health professionals, health care providers, social service professionals, and general public community members.
Presented by Pitt PERU and UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor.
Description
Substance misuse is a major risk factor for suicide. The SP/SUD course equips participants with the skills to recognize early warning signs of both substance use disorders and suicide, while exploring the complex interplay between the two. This training emphasizes how stigma can impact both those seeking help and those providing support. Although open to all, the course is particularly beneficial for mental health professionals, healthcare providers, and social service professionals. The curriculum covers essential facts, key warning signs, protective factors, and strategies to address stigma, along with proactive care approaches and methods to reduce access to lethal means such as firearms and medications.
Learning Objectives

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

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

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

Integrating Trauma Informed Care into Suicide Response (ITIC)
2025-08-29 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-09-26 14:00 - 15:00
1 hour
This activity is approved for the following credit: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, ANCC, ASWB, and AAPA Category 1 CME.
Audience
This training is appropriate for mental health professionals, health care providers, social service professionals, and general public community members.
Presented by Pitt PERU and UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor.
Description
The Integrating Trauma Informed Care into Suicide Response course describes the role of trauma in both risk for suicidal behaviors and in coping with suicide loss. The curriculum covers the SAMHSA principles of trauma-informed care and provides specific trauma-informed strategies to use with individuals at risk for suicide and survivors of suicide loss.
Participants will understand the role of trauma in suicide risk and coping with loss, be able to apply trauma-informed care principles, and use specific strategies to support survivors of suicide loss.
Learning Objectives

Understand the role of trauma in suicide risk
Learn the SAMHSA principles of trauma-informed care
Apply trauma-informed strategies when supporting survivors of suicide loss.

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

Pittsburgh Out of the Darkness Walk
2025-09-06 09:00 - 13:00
Pittsburgh Out of the Darkness Walk
Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025
Location: Highmark Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA
Check-In: 9:00 AM
Walk Starts: 10:30 AM
The Northwest Pennsylvania Veteran Suicide Prevention Program is pleased to help raise awareness of this important community event. We are not the creators or sponsors, but we support efforts like this that bring people together to prevent suicide and support mental health.
Join the annual Out of the Darkness Walk to raise awareness for suicide prevention and support those affected by mental health struggles. Every step brings hope, and every dollar raised supports the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.
Fundraising Perks:

Raise $150 or more and receive the official walk T-shirt.
Raise $250 or more by August 21 to receive an AFSP hat.
Teams with $400+ and six or more members get a pickleball set and a game.
Additional rewards are available after Walk Day!

Registration is free and open to all. Form a team, start fundraising, or volunteer your support. Walk together to bring hope and change to the community.
Register today and find more details at AFSP’s official event page.
Every step brings hope. Thank you for supporting suicide prevention in Pittsburgh!

Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR)
2025-09-22 14:00 - 16:00
2 hours
This activity is approved for the following credit: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, ANCC, ASWB, and AAPA Category 1 CME.
Audience
This training is appropriate for mental health professionals, health care providers, social service professionals, and general community members.
Presented by Pitt PERU and UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor.
Description
This training empowers you to become an effective “gatekeeper”, someone who can recognize when an individual may be at risk and take immediate, appropriate action. The program centers on three key interventions:

Question: Initiate a compassionate conversation to explore the individual’s thoughts and feelings about suicide.
Persuade: Encourage the person to seek and accept professional help.
Refer: Connect the individual with the proper resources and support services.

By becoming a gatekeeper, you help bridge the gap between crisis and care. Given that suicide rates of Pennsylvania, especially in rural counties, exceed national averages, every community member plays a critical role in prevention. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, healthcare provider, or community leader, QPR provides you with the knowledge and tools to make a difference.
Participants will gain a clear understanding of suicide prevention techniques, be able to identify at-risk individuals, and learn how to effectively intervene and refer individuals to appropriate resources.
Learning Objectives

Recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis
Understand the connection between suicide and substance use disorders
Learn effective gatekeeper interventions (including questioning intent, persuading help-seeking, and referring to appropriate resources)
Empower individuals to support community suicide prevention initiatives.

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

Counseling on Access to Lethal Means Training (CALM)
2025-09-22 16:00 - 17:00
1 hour
This activity is approved for the following credit: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, ANCC, ASWB, and AAPA Category 1 CME.
Audience
This training is appropriate for mental health professionals, health care providers, social service professionals, and general public community members.
Presented by Pitt PERU and UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor.
Description
Reducing access to lethal means (e.g., firearms and medications) is a proven strategy that can determine whether a person at risk for suicide lives or dies. The CALM (Counseling on Access to Lethal Means) course focuses on providing participants with the tools and knowledge to reduce access to lethal methods. Designed primarily for mental health professionals, this one‑hour virtual training is also beneficial for health care providers, social service professionals, and anyone working with individuals at risk for suicide. The curriculum covers how to identify those who may benefit from lethal means counseling and offers practical guidance on collaborating with individuals and their families to create safer environments.
Participants will gain practical strategies to reduce access to lethal means, improve their ability to identify at‑risk individuals, and learn how to collaborate with families and communities to enhance safety.
Learning Objectives

Identify who needs lethal means counseling
Collaborate with individuals at risk and their families to reduce access to lethal methods.

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

Mercer County Survivors of Suicide Bereavement Support Group
2025-09-22 17:00 - 18:30, 2025-10-27 17:00 - 18:30
In-Person :: 1.5-hour :: Free Support Group
The Survivors of Suicide Bereavement Support Group in Mercer County provides a safe and compassionate space for those grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide. Facilitators are trained to help participants cope with suicide loss and find healing through shared experiences.
Why It Matters:
Grief after suicide can feel isolating. This group helps survivors build resilience, reduce stigma, and connect with others who understand the challenges of suicide bereavement.
Location: Hermitage City Building, Room 301, 800 North Hermitage Rd, Hermitage, PA 16148.
Eligibility: Must be at least 18 years old to attend.
More Information: Contact Anna at Mercer County Behavioral Health, 724-662-1550 ext. 190.

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

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

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

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

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

Lawrence County Veteran Stand Down
2025-10-03 13:00 - 15:00
In-Person :: 2-hour :: Free Event
Veterans, Service Members, and their families are invited to the Lawrence County Stand Down at 1928 E. Washington Street, New Castle, PA. The event provides medical screenings, haircuts, hygiene products, a boxed meal (while supplies last), and access to multiple community organizations offering information and referrals.
Proof of Veteran service is required for provisions. If you do not have proof, staff at registration may be able to assist.
Why It Matters:
Stand Downs reduce barriers by bringing essential services and resources together in one place, ensuring Veterans and their families get the support they need quickly and with dignity.
Location: 1928 E. Washington Street, New Castle, PA 16101.

Butler County Veterans Breakfast Club
2025-10-10 08:30 - 10:30
In-Person :: 2-hour :: $20 ($15 for supporting members)
The Veterans Breakfast Club brings American history to life by featuring Veterans of all eras, backgrounds, and branches sharing their stories of service. Guided by historian Todd DePastino, the program fosters healing, education, and connection through storytelling. Everyone is welcome to attend, whether you are a Veteran or simply wish to listen, learn, and honor those who have served.
Location:
American Legion Post 778
150 Legion Memorial Lane
Butler, PA 16001
Schedule:

8:30 AM – Breakfast and program begin
10:30 AM – Program ends

More information:
Cost: $20 ($15 for paid supporting members), includes breakfast.
RSVP by contacting betty@veteransbreakfastclub.org or calling 412-623-9029.
This event is listed here as a resource for Veterans and their families who may find it meaningful. It is organized by the Veterans Breakfast Club and is not affiliated with the Resilient Veteran website.

Bundle Up Butler
2025-10-10 10:00 - 13:00
In-Person :: 3-hour :: Free/Donation-Based Event
Bundle Up Butler will be held at the Butler City Farm Market. The event provides free children’s coats on a first-come, first-served basis, with every effort made to meet each child’s needs. A limited number of adult coats will be available. Adults in need of a coat are encouraged to make a $5 donation to Bundle Up Butler.
This program supports families preparing for the colder months. Veterans and their families may find this resource especially helpful in reducing financial strain during winter.
Schedule:

10:00 AM – Coat distribution begins
1:00 PM – Event ends

Location: Butler City Farm Market, 209 South Chestnut Street, Butler, PA 16001.
No registration required.

Lawrence County Quarterly Job Fair
2025-10-16 10:00 - 14:00
In-Person :: 4-hour :: Free Event
PA CareerLink® Lawrence County will host its next quarterly job fair at 101 S. Mercer Street, Suite 101, New Castle, PA. The event is free to attend and includes open interviews with local employers. Job seekers will have the opportunity to meet directly with hiring representatives and learn more about available positions.
Employment fairs like this are valuable resources for Veterans and their families, offering direct pathways to connect military experience with civilian career opportunities.
Location:
PA CareerLink® Lawrence County, 101 S. Mercer Street, Suite 101, New Castle, PA 16101.
Schedule:

10:00 AM – Doors open / employer tables available
2:00 PM – Event ends

Contact:
For details, contact GG Chamberlain at 724-658-7258 ext. 221 or cchamberlain@wcjp.org .
https://www.tinyurl.com/jobfairSRC

Rain Barrel & Composting Workshop
2025-10-22 18:00 - 19:30
In-Person :: 1.5-hour :: $10 Event
The Lawrence County Conservation District is hosting a Rain Barrel and Composting Workshop at Pasture Maid Creamery in New Castle, PA. Attendees will learn about rain barrels, stormwater management, soil and water conservation, backyard composting, and more. Each participant will receive either a compost bin or rain barrel (with adapter kit). Supplies are limited and available first-come, first-served. Cost is $10 (cash at the door), and pre-registration is required.
Workshops like this support sustainable living and environmental stewardship. Veterans and their families may find value in learning cost-saving, practical ways to care for their homes and land while connecting with the broader community.
Registration: Contact the Lawrence County Conservation District by email at jzona@lawrencecountypa.gov or call 724-658-6925 ext. 2.
Venue Notes: Please bring a camp chair, dress for the weather, and wear appropriate footwear for the cow bedding barn tour. Light refreshments will be provided, including cheese and milk from Pasture Maid Creamery.
Location: Pasture Maid Creamery, 571 Cow Path Lane, New Castle, PA 16101.

Mercer County 11th Annual Veterans Stand Down & Resource Fair
2025-10-23 11:00 - 15:00
In-Person :: 4-hour :: Free Event
All Veterans and their families are invited to connect with over 60 local resources, enjoy food, and build camaraderie at the Hickory VFW Post 6166. Transportation support is available through MCCT, and Veterans ride free.
Flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines will be available from Primary Health Network.
Why It Matters:
Stand Downs help Veterans and their families quickly access benefits, health services, and community support in one place—reducing barriers and strengthening connections.
Transportation: Call MCCT Transit Office at 724-981-6222 to schedule a ride. Advanced registration is appreciated.
Info / Resource Tables / Donations: Contact Lori Johnson, Manager of Planning & Development, Community Action Partnership of Mercer County, at ljohnson@capmercer.org or 724-342-6222 x14. Mailing address: 215 S Water Avenue, Sharon, PA 16146.
Location: Hickory VFW Post 6166, 5550 E. State Street, Hermitage, PA.

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

Question: Initiate a compassionate conversation to explore the individual’s thoughts and feelings about suicide.
Persuade: Encourage the person to seek and accept professional help.
Refer: Connect the individual with the proper resources and support services.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Question: Initiate a compassionate conversation to explore the individual’s thoughts and feelings about suicide.
Persuade: Encourage the person to seek and accept professional help.
Refer: Connect the individual with the proper resources and support services.

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

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

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

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

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

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

3rd Annual Ryan Gloyer Memorial 5K Run/Walk
2025-11-02 09:00
In-Person :: 5K Run/Walk :: Community Event
Join us at the Seneca Valley Secondary Campus in Harmony, PA, for the 3rd Annual Ryan Gloyer Memorial Run. This event honors the life and legacy of fallen Green Beret and Seneca Valley alumnus, Sgt. First Class Ryan A. Gloyer.
The Memorial Run celebrates Ryan’s dedication to service, fitness, and community. All participants are welcome, whether running or walking, to share in one of Ryan’s favorite activities while supporting the values he embodied: inclusivity, confidence, perseverance, and selflessness.
Why It Matters:
Ryan Gloyer inspired those around him as a soldier, teacher, and friend. This event continues his legacy, motivating participants to pursue their best selves while strengthening community ties. It is an opportunity for Veterans, families, and community members to honor Ryan’s sacrifice and values through action.
Community Commissary: Connect with sponsors, local businesses, and nonprofit organizations during the event. Complimentary tables are available for nonprofits; for-profit businesses may reserve a table for $100. Contact coordinator Laura Goossen at laurajwatson@gmail.com for more information.
Location: Seneca Valley Secondary Campus, Harmony, PA.
Read more about Ryan’s story: https://www.svsd.net/Page/24016

Butler County Stand Down
2025-11-07 10:30 - 13:30
In-Person :: 3-hour :: Free Event
Butler County’s Stand Down event will be hosted at American Legion Post 778. Now celebrating 10 years, this annual event brings together vital resources, services, and support for Veterans and their families.
Schedule:

10:30 AM – Opening Ceremony
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Veterans-only access (proof of Veteran status required)
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM: General public welcome

Contact: For general inquiries and vendors, reach Allyson Rose at 724-284-5114 or email ButlerCountyStandDown@gmail.com. Volunteers can contact Ashlee Hershberger at 724-431-3643.
Location: American Legion Post 778, 150 Legion Memorial Lane, Butler, PA 16001.

Warren County "Be Well Warrior" Resource Fair
2025-11-07 11:00 - 15:00
Date: Friday, November 7, 2025
Time: 11a-3p
Location: Warren YMCA, 212 Lexington Ave, Warren, PA
Connect with others while learning about local resources and supports for active military, Veterans, and military families. Meet service providers, community groups, and peers. This free event is a chance to find programs, benefits, and supports that fit your needs.
Vendor & agency info
Vendor and agency registration is open through October 24, 2025. There is no registration fee. We ask agencies to consider bringing a gift card or small donation for attendee door prizes. To register or ask questions, call 814-726-0110 or email erin@warrenymca.org.
Find more
Follow the event on Facebook: @BeWellWarrior or visit the host page: warrenymca.org/warrior.
Why this matters
Events that connect people to services and strengthen local social networks can reduce suicide risk by improving access to care and social support (VA, 2024). Bringing Veterans together with trusted providers and community organizations helps make help easier to find when it is needed.
This event is open to the public. The Northwest Pennsylvania Veteran Suicide Prevention Program is pleased to help raise awareness. We are not the event sponsor or organizer.
Sources

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (2024), VA Suicide Prevention
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Suicide Prevention

Butler County Free Remote Area Medical Clinic
2025-11-08 00:00
In-Person :: Free Event :: First come, first served
Remote Area Medical (RAM) will host a free medical clinic in Butler, PA, offering no-cost healthcare services to those in need. Services are provided by volunteer professionals and the clinic is open to the public, with care offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Services typically include:

Dental
Vision
General medical care

Access to affordable healthcare is a critical issue for many, including Veterans and their families. This clinic provides an opportunity to receive needed services without financial barriers.
Details: Specific service hours and location logistics are typically provided by RAM closer to the event date. Services are available until capacity is reached each day.
Organizer: Remote Area Medical (RAM)
Contact:
For more information contact Remote Area Medical at www.ramusa.org or 865-579-1530

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Question: Initiate a compassionate conversation to explore the individual’s thoughts and feelings about suicide.
Persuade: Encourage the person to seek and accept professional help.
Refer: Connect the individual with the proper resources and support services.

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

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

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

Christmas in Veterans Memorial Park (Clarion County)
2025-11-24 18:00
In-Person :: Community Celebration :: Sponsorship Opportunity
The 4th Annual Christmas in Veterans Memorial Park invites businesses, organizations, and individuals in Clarion County to sponsor and decorate trees in honor of Veterans, active duty military members, and first responders. A total of 30 trees will be available, with returning sponsors given first priority at $100 per tree. Sponsors provide their own decorations and outdoor-rated extension cords, and decorations must be securely fastened due to strong winds in the park.
Returning sponsor deadline: October 18, 2025.
New sponsor deadline: October 31, 2025.
Location:
Veterans Memorial Park
Clarion County, PA
Schedule:

November 15, 2025 – Trees set up in the park
November 16, 2025 – Trees available for decorating
November 23, 2025 – Deadline for decorated trees
November 24, 2025, 6:00 PM – Light-Up Night (all trees lit simultaneously)
After January 1, 2026 – Decorations may be removed
By January 10, 2026 – Trees removed from the park

More information:
Contact Bobbie Lawrence at 814-229-8878 for details.
This event is listed here as a resource for Veterans, families, and community members who may find it meaningful. It is organized by the Christmas in Veterans Memorial Park Committee and is not affiliated with the Resilient Veteran website.
