The Resilient Veteran

Integrating Trauma Informed Care into Suicide Response (ITIC)
2025-11-17 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-02-24 14:30 - 15:30 (America/New_York)
Training Details
Duration1 hour
CostFree
ApprovalsThis activity is approved for the following credit: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, ANCC, ASWB, and AAPA Category 1 CME.
Quantity1 hour CE
ProviderPitt PERU and UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor
Audience
Open to all community members, Veterans and their families, and practitioners across healthcare, behavioral health, social services, education, first response, and peer support.
Description
This training helps attendees understand how trauma can shape suicide risk, coping, and engagement before, during, and after a crisis. Using SAMHSA’s trauma-informed principles, we translate concepts into practical steps that create safety, trust, collaboration, empowerment, and cultural humility. You will learn ways to reduce re-traumatization, strengthen connection, and support recovery for Veterans and civilians across settings. The session links principles to actions you can take today, including language, environment tips, and small process changes that improve care and community support. Participants leave with strategies that fit both professional practice and everyday life.
Outcomes
Participants connect trauma-informed principles to suicide prevention, reduce re-traumatization in conversations and settings, and improve engagement and follow-through after attempts or losses.
Learning Objectives

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

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

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

Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR)
2025-11-19 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-12-15 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-01-13 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-02-12 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

Counseling on Access to Lethal Means Training (CALM)
2025-11-19 15:00 - 16:00, 2026-01-13 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-02-12 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

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.

Oasis Center Community Thanksgiving Dinner (Mercer)
2025-11-27 13:00 - 15:00
In-Person :: 2-hour :: Free Community Meal (while food is available)
Community Thanksgiving Dinner hosted by Greater New & Living Way/Oasis Center. Open to the community while food lasts.
Shared meals can ease holiday strain and create connection. Veterans and families are welcome to take part in a warm community setting.
Location:
Founder’s Fellowship Hall
840 Highland Rd, Sharon, PA 16148
Schedule:

1:00 PM – Meal service begins (while supplies last)
3:00 PM – Event ends

More information:
Phone: 724-418-1560
Heads up: we’re sharing this as a courtesy for Veterans and their families who may find it useful. Details come from the organizer and can change; this listing isn’t managed by The Resilient Veteran.

2025 Winter Wonderland: Clarion County Resource Fair
2025-12-02 16:30 - 18:30
In-Person :: 2-hour :: Free Family Event
A countywide resource fair at the Clarion Mall with family activities and giveaways: SANTA, dinner, bounce houses, free raffle, and balloon animals. Registration opens at mall entrances at 4:15 p.m. No income guidelines.
Many families of Veterans look for supportive community events heading into the holidays; this fair can help connect households with local resources and lighthearted stress relief.
Location:Clarion Mall
Schedule:

4:15 PM – Registration opens (mall entrances)
4:30 PM – 6:30 PM: Resource fair open
6:00 PM – Raffle drawing

More information:Email: heather.beshaw@uhsinc.com, dthorpe@family-psych.org, jbowser@anrinfo.org
Heads up: we’re sharing this as a courtesy for Veterans and their families who may find it useful. Details come from the organizer and can change; this listing isn’t managed by The Resilient Veteran.

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

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

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

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

Suds of Love Free Laundry Day (Mercer County)
2025-12-10 10:00 - 15:00
In-Person :: 5-hour :: Free Service
Carelon is covering the cost of self-service washers, dryers, detergent, and fabric softener. Bring your clothes; the rest is provided at no charge.
Free laundry days help stretch household budgets, helping Veteran and all families manage tight finances.
Location:
Sharon Coin Laundry
149 South Irvine Avenue, Sharon, PA 16146
Schedule:

10:00 AM – Services available
3:00 PM – Services end

More information:
Organizer: Carelon
Website: https://pa.carelon.com
Heads up: we’re sharing this as a courtesy for Veterans and their families who may find it useful. Details come from the organizer and can change; this listing isn’t managed by The Resilient Veteran.

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

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

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

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

Veterans Christmas Party
2025-12-14 14:00 - 18:00
In-Person :: 4-hour :: Free Event
Join us for an afternoon of camaraderie, food, desserts, and prizes at the West Middlesex VFW Post 6233. This event is hosted by the Community Action Partnership of Mercer County and the West Middlesex VFW.
All Veterans, spouses, and families are welcome to attend and celebrate the holiday season together in a spirit of community and appreciation.
Why It Matters:
Holidays can be difficult for many, especially Veterans and their families. This gathering offers connection, shared joy, and a reminder that no one celebrates alone. Events like these strengthen community ties and honor those who have served.
RSVP by December 5, 2025: Contact Lori Johnson, Director of Planning & Development, Community Action Partnership of Mercer County, at ljohnson@capmercer.org or call 724-979-2276.
Location: West Middlesex VFW Post 6233, 3747 New Castle Road, West Middlesex, PA 16159.

Winter Wellness Workshop: Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder (Butler County)
2025-12-18 18:00 - 19:00
In-Person :: 1-hour :: Free Workshop
Discussion on coping with Seasonal Affective Disorder and practical strategies to support mental health during winter. Free and open to all; coffee/tea and light snacks provided. Seating is limited; registration is for seating only.
Veterans and their families may feel winter mood shifts more acutely after service or during transitions. Consider joining this session for straightforward tools and peer connections if you are among those affected.
Location:
Worthington–West Franklin Community Library (Butler County, PA)
Schedule:

6:00 PM – Workshop begins
7:00 PM – Workshop ends

More information:
Call for seating registration: 724-297-3762
Heads up: we’re sharing this as a courtesy for Veterans and their families who may find it useful. Details come from the organizer and can change; this listing isn’t managed by The Resilient Veteran.

Mercer County Survivors of Suicide Bereavement Support Group
2025-12-22 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.

Suicide Prevention: Links to Substance Use Disorder Care (SUD)
2026-01-21 12:00 - 13:00
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 and treatment gaps, including Veteran-specific considerations, and focus on practical next steps. Learn to spot early warning signs, reduce stigma in conversation and care, and plan for safety that fits a person’s readiness and resources. The training covers warm referral to treatment, coordination with recovery supports, and when to consider lethal-means steps within a broader safety plan.
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 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)
2026-01-28 11:00 - 12:00
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, concepts are translated into practical steps that create safety, trust, collaboration, empowerment, and cultural humility. Participants learn how to reduce re-traumatization, strengthen connection, and support recovery for Veterans and civilians across settings. The session links principles to concrete actions, including language choices, environmental considerations, and small process changes that improve care and community support.
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 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

Military Share Food Distribution - Clearfield County
2026-02-09 12:00 - 14:07 | Dubois Alliance Church 1004 S Main St DuBois, PA 15801, 1004 S Main Street, Du Bois, 15801, United States
In-Person :: Recurring :: Free Resource
Recurring food distribution for income-qualifying military Veterans and their families with at least one household member who has served in the military. This distribution is held on the 2nd Wednesday of odd-numbered months.
2026 dates:
March 11, 2026
May 13, 2026
July 8, 2026
September 9, 2026
November 11, 2026
Important Arrival Information:
Please do not arrive before 10:30 AM. This is a drive-thru distribution, first come, first served. Participants must remain in their vehicle at all times.
What to Bring:
Please bring a valid form of photo ID.
Location:
(Note, the original flyer did not indicate this location changes, so please check
Dubois Alliance Church
1004 S Main St
DuBois, PA 15801
Hosted by:
Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania
in collaboration with
Common Items:
While not all-inclusive, a list of commonly included items is below:

Cheese
Eggs
Fresh Milk
100% Fruit Juice
Cereal
Crackers
Granola Bars
Pasta
Peanut Butter
Soups
Apples
Broccoli
Carrots
Corn
Lettuce
Onions
Oranges
Potatoes
Strawberries
Tomatoes
Ground Beef
Ground Turkey
Chicken Quarters
Canned Chicken
Canned Tuna

More Information:
Food Help Line: 814-459-3663 ext. 117
This event is shared as a courtesy for Veterans and their families who may find it helpful. Event details are provided by the host organization and are subject to change.

Suicide Prevention: Links to Substance Use Disorder Care (SUD)
2026-02-19 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 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.
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

Military Share Food Distribution - Clearfield County
2026-03-11 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-05-13 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-07-08 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-09-09 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-11-11 10:30 - 12:00
In-Person :: Recurring :: Free Resource
Recurring food distribution for income-qualifying military Veterans and their families with at least one household member who has served in the military. This distribution is held on the 2nd Wednesday of odd-numbered months.
2026 dates:
March 11, 2026
May 13, 2026
July 8, 2026
September 9, 2026
November 11, 2026
Important Arrival Information:
Please do not arrive before 10:30 AM. This is a drive-thru distribution, first come, first served. Participants must remain in their vehicle at all times.
What to Bring:
Please bring a valid form of photo ID.
Location:
(Note, the original flyer did not indicate this location changes month to month, so please check)
Dubois Alliance Church
1004 S Main St
DuBois, PA 15801
Hosted by:
Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania
in collaboration with
Clearfield Jefferson Veteran Suicide Prevention Initiative
Common Items:
While not all-inclusive, a list of commonly included items is below:

Cheese
Eggs
Fresh Milk
100% Fruit Juice
Cereal
Crackers
Granola Bars
Pasta
Peanut Butter
Soups
Apples
Broccoli
Carrots
Corn
Lettuce
Onions
Oranges
Potatoes
Strawberries
Tomatoes
Ground Beef
Ground Turkey
Chicken Quarters
Canned Chicken
Canned Tuna

More Information:
Food Help Line: 814-459-3663 ext. 117
This event is shared as a courtesy for Veterans and their families who may find it helpful. Event details are provided by the host organization and are subject to change.
