The Resilient Veteran

Safety Plan for Suicide Prevention Training
2023-12-13 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Tech Into Care – VA’s Newest App: Safety Plan for Suicide Prevention
Program Description:
This lecture will focus on describing the efforts to develop and test digital interventions for PTSD that integrate elements of exposure therapy. Also, this activity will address findings from three clinical trials that will be shared on web-based and mobile app interventions for PTSD in Veterans with PTSD.
Date: Dec. 13 at noon ET
Location: VHA TRAIN
Access Links: Non-VA employees click here. VA employees click here.
Audience: Psychologists, nurses, social workers, mental health counselors, psychiatrists, dietitians and physicians
Modality: Virtual conference (webinar)
Credit/hours: 1
Accreditations: ACCME, ACCME-NP, ANCC, APA, ASWB, CDR, JAIPCE, NBCC, NYSED-P, NYSED-SW
Questions?: If you require assistance, please contact the VHA TRAIN Help Desk by email at VHATRAIN@va.gov.

QPR for Clearfield and Jefferson Counties
2023-12-13 10:00 - 12:00
QPR for Clearfield and Jefferson Counties
HELP PREVENT SUICIDE
Suicide prevention training webinars aim to save lives. Learn steps you can take to save a life and reduce suicidal behaviors in your community. Question, Persuade and Refer is an emergency health intervention program designed to give you practical tools and techniques to address and prevent suicide. Gain insights to recognize warning signs of suicide in friends, coworkers, family members or neighbors in need. Anyone concerned about helping others may participate in QPR. Discuss potential scenarios and engage active listening and persuasion techniques.
WEBINAR SCHEDULE
Plan to attend this 2-hour webinar to learn how to identify and interrupt a crisis and to direct someone to proper care.
+ 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13
REGISTER AT:
extension.psu.edu/qpr-clearfield-jefferson
Once registered, you will receive a link to access the webinar.
Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences research and extension programs are funded in part by Pennsylvania counties, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Pennsylvania State University encourages qualified persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Penn State Extension at 1-877-345-0691 in advance of your participation or visit.
Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
Code 6728 | U.Ed. AGR 23-42 | Rev.25C07/23mpc

Butler County Mental Health First Aid Training
2023-12-13 08:30 - 16:30
Free youth and adult in-person mental health first aid training courses available to those living/working in Butler County.
The in-person training is an 8-hour program held at the UL Conference Room at the Butler County Human Services Building (directions to be sent out once registration is closed).
To register for training, please email Lena Southworth at lsouthworth@ccrinfo.org and Samantha Hite at shite@ccrinfo.org
In Person Adult Mental Health First Aid Class Options:
Wednesday, December 13, 2023, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Registration deadline: Friday, December 1, 2023
OR
Tuesday, March 19th, 2024, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Registration deadline: Friday, March 8, 2024
In Person Youth Mental Health First Aid:
Tuesday February 6, 2024, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Registration deadline: Friday, January 26, 2024
AFTER THE COURSE, YOU’LL BE ABLE TO:
• Recognize common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges.
• Recognize common signs and symptoms of substance use challenges.
• Understand how to interact with a person in crisis.
• Know how to connect a person with help.
• Use self-care tools and techniques

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

QPR for Clearfield and Jefferson Counties
2023-12-08 13:00 - 15:00
QPR for Clearfield and Jefferson Counties
HELP PREVENT SUICIDE
Suicide prevention training webinars aim to save lives. Learn steps you can take to save a life and reduce suicidal behaviors in your community. Question, Persuade and Refer is an emergency health intervention program designed to give you practical tools and techniques to address and prevent suicide. Gain insights to recognize warning signs of suicide in friends, coworkers, family members or neighbors in need. Anyone concerned about helping others may participate in QPR. Discuss potential scenarios and engage active listening and persuasion techniques.
WEBINAR SCHEDULE
Plan to attend one of these 2-hour webinars to learn how to identify and interrupt a crisis and to direct someone to proper care.
+ 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8
+ 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13
REGISTER AT:
extension.psu.edu/qpr-clearfield-jefferson
Once registered, you will receive a link to access the webinar.
Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences research and extension programs are funded in part by Pennsylvania counties, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Pennsylvania State University encourages qualified persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Penn State Extension at 1-877-345-0691 in advance of your participation or visit.
Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
Code 6728 | U.Ed. AGR 23-42 | Rev.25C07/23mpc

Addressing Chronic Pain In The Veteran Community
2023-11-13 19:00 - 20:00
Webinar Date: Nov. 13, 2023, 7 p.m.
Questions? Contact Adeline Hatfield, at 330-571-1348 or email adeline@militaryvetsofamerica.org
Join Military Veterans of America for our webinar with health specialist Dr. Shenika Vilton, MD. She will discuss the latest advancements in the treatment of chronic pain, offering insights into both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches. We will also shed light on the importance of health advocacy for veterans and discuss strategies to improve access to pain management resources, reduce stigma, and foster a supportive environment for our veterans.
Register online.

Pittsburgh Veterans Day Parade
2023-11-11 10:30 - 12:30
Pittsburgh is home to many things- great sports, great food, our beautiful skyline.
Did you know that Pittsburgh is home to one of the LARGEST and LONGEST running Veterans Days Parades in the Country? The Pittsburgh Veterans Day Parade has run every year since 1919.
Pennsylvania is home to the 4th largest population of Veterans- and Southwestern PA is home to many of them. It is our honor to remember the commitment of these men and women every year at the Pittsburgh Veterans Day Parade.
The parade features groups representing veterans of all eras, military units, civic and youth groups (including Junior ROTC), businesses, and more. Floats, military and vintage vehicles and other special elements add to the spectacle and excitement.

November 11, 10:30 am Rain or Shine
The Parade starts at the intersection of 10th and Liberty Avenue and proceeds along Liberty.
The parade features groups representing veterans of all eras, military units, civic and youth groups (including Junior ROTC), businesses, and more. Floats, military and vintage vehicles and other special elements add to the spectacle and excitement.

Don’t Miss Our Flyover- Five fighter jets from Langley Air Force Base, VA for the Pittsburgh Veterans Day Parade!
They will fly up the Ohio River toward Point State Park and then up Liberty Ave at 1130 a.m. First time in Pittsburgh Veterans Day Parade History!

Learn more, watch videos of past parades at https://pittsburghveteransparade.com/

QPR + CALM Training
2023-11-10 12:00 - 15:00, 2023-10-23 13:00 - 16:00, 2023-10-18 09:00 - 12:00, 2023-10-09 10:00 - 13:00, 2023-10-03 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!

QPR Training
2023-11-08 09:00 - 11:00, 2023-10-24 13:00 - 15:00, 2023-10-11 11:00 - 13:00, 2023-10-05 10:00 - 12:00
QPR is a two-hour educational program designed to teach professionals as well as lay “gatekeepers” the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to respond. A gatekeeper is someone in a position to recognize a crisis and warning signs that someone may be at risk of suicide.
Pennsylvania suicide rates, especially in rural counties, are higher than the national average. QPR is a two-hour educational program designed to teach professionals as well as lay “gatekeepers” the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to respond. A gatekeeper is an individual who can recognize a crisis and the warning signs of someone possibly contemplating suicide. Anyone can become a gatekeeper: parents. friends, neighbors, teachers, athletic coaches, ministers, doctors, nurses, office supervisors, squad leaders, foremen, police officers, advisors, caseworkers, firefighters, etc. Gatekeepers come from all walks of life and do not require any prior training or education.
Click on the image to download. 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!

988 Formative Research: Messaging and Communications about 988 to People at Higher Risk for or Disproportionately Impacted by Suicide
2023-11-07 14:30 - 15:30
Date & Time: Nov 7, 2023 02:30 PM
Register online

This webinar will preview findings of the 988 Formative Research. These findings can help form the basis of future culturally sensitive, responsive, effective, and successful 988 communications: First, to make more people aware of 988 across the country, and then to instill trust and confidence in the service so people will contact 988 when struggling with mental health, or in a moment of crisis, or in need of support. The webinar will also preview resources developed by the project that can support behavioral health agencies and service providers’ communication efforts to increase awareness and use of 988 in their communities.

With the nationwide transition to 988 as the 3-digit number for 24/7 support for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or emotional distress, a need arose for 988-specific formative research among groups at higher risk for or disproportionately impacted by suicide. The 988 Formative Research Project began in summer 2022 as a collaborative effort led by the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention (Action Alliance), the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC), and the Ad Council Research Institute (ACRI), supported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

The project fills a critical research gap and supports more informed 988 messaging and implementation efforts. Learning Objectives:
• Learn about key findings from the 988 Formative Research.
• Learn how this research can support communication efforts to increase awareness and use of 988 among groups at higher risk for or disproportionately impacted by suicide.

QPR for Clearfield and Jefferson Counties
2023-11-07 13:00 - 15:00
QPR for Clearfield and Jefferson Counties
HELP PREVENT SUICIDE
Suicide prevention training webinars aim to save lives. Learn steps you can take to save a life and reduce suicidal behaviors in your community. Question, Persuade and Refer is an emergency health intervention program designed to give you practical tools and techniques to address and prevent suicide. Gain insights to recognize warning signs of suicide in friends, coworkers, family members or neighbors in need. Anyone concerned about helping others may participate in QPR. Discuss potential scenarios and engage active listening and persuasion techniques.
WEBINAR SCHEDULE
Plan to attend one of these 2-hour webinars to learn how to identify and interrupt a crisis and to direct someone to proper care.
+ 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7
+ 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8
+ 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13
REGISTER AT:
extension.psu.edu/qpr-clearfield-jefferson
Once registered, you will receive a link to access the webinar.
Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences research and extension programs are funded in part by Pennsylvania counties, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Pennsylvania State University encourages qualified persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Penn State Extension at 1-877-345-0691 in advance of your participation or visit.
Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
Code 6728 | U.Ed. AGR 23-42 | Rev.25C07/23mpc

8th Annual Butler County Stand Down
2023-11-03 11:00 - 13:30
8th Annual Butler County Stand Down
Friday, November 3, 2023
Veterans only 11am-12pm (proof of Veteran status required)
All others 12pm-1:30pm
American Legion Post 778 150 Legion Memorial Lane, Butler, PA
A day of free services, supports & resources for all Veterans, homeless veterans, their families and others in need.
For more information please email us butlercountystanddown@gmail.com

QPR for Clearfield and Jefferson Counties
2023-11-02 10:00 - 12:00
QPR for Clearfield and Jefferson Counties
HELP PREVENT SUICIDE
Suicide prevention training webinars aim to save lives. Learn steps you can take to save a life and reduce suicidal behaviors in your community. Question, Persuade and Refer is an emergency health intervention program designed to give you practical tools and techniques to address and prevent suicide. Gain insights to recognize warning signs of suicide in friends, coworkers, family members or neighbors in need. Anyone concerned about helping others may participate in QPR. Discuss potential scenarios and engage active listening and persuasion techniques.
WEBINAR SCHEDULE
Plan to attend one of these 2-hour webinars to learn how to identify and interrupt a crisis and to direct someone to proper care.
+ 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 2
+ 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7
+ 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8
+ 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13
REGISTER AT:
extension.psu.edu/qpr-clearfield-jefferson
Once registered, you will receive a link to access the webinar.
Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences research and extension programs are funded in part by Pennsylvania counties, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Pennsylvania State University encourages qualified persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Penn State Extension at 1-877-345-0691 in advance of your participation or visit.
Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
Code 6728 | U.Ed. AGR 23-42 | Rev.25C07/23mpc

QPR for Clearfield and Jefferson Counties
2023-10-26 13:00 - 15:00
QPR for Clearfield and Jefferson Counties
HELP PREVENT SUICIDE
Suicide prevention training webinars aim to save lives. Learn steps you can take to save a life and reduce suicidal behaviors in your community. Question, Persuade and Refer is an emergency health intervention program designed to give you practical tools and techniques to address and prevent suicide. Gain insights to recognize warning signs of suicide in friends, coworkers, family members or neighbors in need. Anyone concerned about helping others may participate in QPR. Discuss potential scenarios and engage active listening and persuasion techniques.
WEBINAR SCHEDULE
Plan to attend one of these 2-hour webinars to learn how to identify and interrupt a crisis and to direct someone to proper care.
+ 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26
+ 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 2
+ 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7
+ 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8
+ 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13
REGISTER AT:
extension.psu.edu/qpr-clearfield-jefferson
Once registered, you will receive a link to access the webinar.
Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences research and extension programs are funded in part by Pennsylvania counties, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Pennsylvania State University encourages qualified persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Penn State Extension at 1-877-345-0691 in advance of your participation or visit.
Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
Code 6728 | U.Ed. AGR 23-42 | Rev.25C07/23mpc

Mental Health Awareness & Suicide Prevention for Veterans
2023-10-20 08:30 - 15:00
Serving those Who Served Us! Mental Health Awareness & Suicide Prevention for Veterans Hybrid Training
Friday, October 20, 2023
8am to 8:30am Registration & Continental Breakfast
8:30am to 3pm Training
Lunch provided for In-person attendees
QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Gatekeeper Training for Veteran’s Suicide Prevention: Presenter Patti Tanner, MA Senior Program Implementation Specialist, PERU, Veteran.
Moral Injury, education on its prevalence among service members, common precipitating events, health outcomes, and treatment options.
Presenter: Sheena Bice, CCO, Forge Health, Veteran
Science of Trauma, Going through biology of the brain and body when dealing with extreme levels of stress. Presenter: Sheena Bice, CCO, Forge Health, Veteran.
A family member’s perspective, Brittany Reonason. Her husband was a veteran and died by suicide.
Veteran’s Panel Discussion

Credits:
CEUs for AMA (Physician), ACPE (Pharmacy), ANCC (Nursing), and ASWB (Social Work).

Sharing Mental Health Information in Your Family
2023-10-18 19:00 - 20:30
Airing Wednesday, October 18, 2023, from 7:00 to 8:30 pm ET
Register Now
Do mental health conditions run in your family? It’s common for depression or bipolar disorder to exist across generations and relatives, appearing on various branches of a family tree. Research shows that many mental health conditions are inheritable. In fact, people with a family history of depression can be two to three times more likely to live with depression, compared to the general population.
A family’s mental health history can provide clues that help families and healthcare providers recognize potential mental health issues. By identifying these issues early, people can get help sooner and interventions may result in better outcomes for those affected. Sharing information about mental health conditions that run in the family can help reduce stigma and encourage family members to seek help when needed.
Join Families for Depression Awareness on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm as Bruce Cohen, MD, PhD, discusses the role of genetics in mental health and how you can identify aspects of your family mental health history. You’ll also hear from Kenyatta Berry, genealogist and former host of PBS’ “Genealogy Roadshow.” Ms. Berry will teach you how to talk about mental health history with your family–even when it is uncomfortable. Use the information you learn to create a Mental Health Family Tree.
Read more online.

QPR for Clearfield and Jefferson Counties
2023-10-11 10:00 - 12:00
QPR for Clearfield and Jefferson Counties
HELP PREVENT SUICIDE
Suicide prevention training webinars aim to save lives. Learn steps you can take to save a life and reduce suicidal behaviors in your community. Question, Persuade and Refer is an emergency health intervention program designed to give you practical tools and techniques to address and prevent suicide. Gain insights to recognize warning signs of suicide in friends, coworkers, family members or neighbors in need. Anyone concerned about helping others may participate in QPR. Discuss potential scenarios and engage active listening and persuasion techniques.
WEBINAR SCHEDULE
Plan to attend one of these 2-hour webinars to learn how to identify and interrupt a crisis and to direct someone to proper care.
+ 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11
+ 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26
+ 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 2
+ 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7
+ 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8
+ 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13
REGISTER AT:
extension.psu.edu/qpr-clearfield-jefferson
Once registered, you will receive a link to access the webinar.
Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences research and extension programs are funded in part by Pennsylvania counties, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Pennsylvania State University encourages qualified persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Penn State Extension at 1-877-345-0691 in advance of your participation or visit.
Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
Code 6728 | U.Ed. AGR 23-42 | Rev.25C07/23mpc

Lawrence County Out of the Darkness Walk
2023-10-07 09:30 - 11:30
Out of the Darkness™ Community Walks
Please join us as we walk to help save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.
Event Details
Date: 10/07/2023
Location: Riverwalk Amphitheatre, New Castle, PA
Check-in Time: 9:30 am
Walk Start Time: 11:00 am
Name: Lawrence County Community Support Program
Email: amandaa@lawrencecountycares.com
To join our team, please contact Amanda at the email listed above or call her at 724-657-0226. Participants will receive a free team t-shirt.

988: It is NOT Just a Number- Webinar
2023-10-03 14:00 - 16:30
October 3, 2023. 2:00 – 4:30 PM ET.
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Forum on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders will host the third webinar in the series on 988: it is NOT just a number, with a focus on collecting data and developing metrics to help inform 988 implementation and improvement efforts.
Topics of discussion may:

Examine current strategies used to develop and validate metrics to measure the effectiveness of 988 and user satisfaction by demographic factors, including data quality and equity
Feature state and local examples to provide an overview on available data and impact
Discuss the need for data transparency and data-sharing while maintaining user confidentiality
Explore gaps and challenges related to data collection, data-sharing, and developing and using metrics for the utility of 988 to enhance the overall behavioral health care continuum
Consider current and future strategies to maintain the sustainability and funding for the lifeline

Learn more and register online.

How Sleep Impacts Suicide Risk
2023-09-27 17:30 - 20:00
Sleeping our way to preventing suicide: How sleep impacts suicide risk
Tina R. Goldstein, Ph.D. and Peter Franzen, Ph.D.
September 27, 2023
5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
The Confluence
214 E. Washington Street
New Castle, PA 16101
Presented by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Western Pennsylvania, hear firsthand what researchers are exploring in the world of suicide prevention. This event features a presentation followed by a Q&A-based conversation, bringing your community together with a leader in the field of suicide prevention research.
About the Researcher
Tina Goldstein, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist and the Pittsburgh Foundation Endowed Professor in Psychiatry Research at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Goldstein’s clinical and research interests focus on understanding the etiology and treatment for youth with, and at-risk for, mood disorders and suicide.
No registration necessary. Contact Jesse Putkoski at (412) 510-9514 or jputkoski@afsp.org with questions.

Erie County Suicide Prevention Conference 2023
2023-09-27 08:00 - 17:00
Erie County Suicide Prevention Conference 2023
Date and time: Wednesday, September 27 · 8am – 4:45pm EDT

Location: Ambassador Hotel and Conference Center, 7794 Peach St Erie, PA 16509
Register online.

About this event

“A Public Health Approach to Suicide Prevention: Recognizing and Supporting All Areas of Our Lives (based on the CDC’s Seven Suicide Prevention Strategies).”
Our Keynote Speaker, Matt Dorgan, was born and raised in York, Pennsylvania. It was after the loss of his daughter Brianna to suicide, December 3, 2020 that Matt decided that things need to change. Matt wanted to channel his grief into something positive for the community so others would not have to suffer the way Brianna suffered and so other parents would not have to suffer the grief of having to bury a child. In January 2021, Matt started putting together an awareness and fundraising event called Building Bridges for Brianna. After several weeks Matt decided we need to build the bridge between people that need help and people that can provide help. That was when Matt realized that this cannot be an event, it needs to be a movement and expanded the organization to reach as many people as he can.
Other speakers represent various agencies and resources within the Erie community and serve to build a foundation for support, intervention and suicide prevention in our own community.
Program Schedule:
Registration/Check-In : 8:00am-8:45amWelcome, Introductions & Keynote: 8:45am -10:15amBREAK: 10:15am-10:30am
Breakout Session 1 (will be selected on day of conference):11:00am – 12:00 pm
OPTION 1A : “988 and Collaboration with Law Enforcement in Erie County” :Stacey Buettner & Tracy Carlini
OPTION 1B : “Harm Reduction”: Cortney Elliot, Sarah Suhan, and Shannon Brown
OPTION 1C: “Heroes Need Help Too”: Robin Archer and Pensiri Nuk Kongkaw-Oden
LUNCH BUFFET (INC. WITH REGISTRATION):11:45am -12:45pmSurvivor Panel Discussion: 12:45pm -1:45pmBREAK: 1:45pm – 2:00pm
Breakout 2: 2:00pm – 3:15pm
OPTION 2a – “Suicide in a Chaotic World” – Govan MartinOPTION 2b – “We are Human, Not Broken”- Kevin Berceli, LPC, NCC, CPH, CP-TRE, CP-NLPOPTION 2c – “Parenting Skills to Improve Family Relations” – NAMIBREAK: 3:15pm – 3:30pm
Breakout Session 3: 3:30pm – 4:45pm
OPTION 3a – “Examining the Connections Between Substance Use and Risk Behaviors and Suicidal Ideations / Actions” – Dr. Amy Gallaher-Miles, DO, IBCLCOPTION 3b – “Assessing Suicidality/High Risk Among the Perinatal Population” – Diomarys Nunez, LPC
Continuing Education Information
Certificates will be sent out via email – Total CE 5 hours
Contact Zachary Cathcart at cathcartz@upmc.edu with questions about continuing education information for this event.
CEUs will be available for LSW/LCSW/LMFT, ACT 48, ANCC/AMA, EMS
Scholarship Information:Please note there are a limited number of scholarships available, made possible by a generous donation from Erie County Department of Health and Human Services. Anyone with financial need is encouraged to attend. Interested individuals may reach out to Sharon Sandberg at sandbergs@upmc.edu or 814-835-2953.
We strongly encourage anyone interested in a scholarship to apply by preparing a one page essay detailing why it is important for you to attend this conference and the importance of community suicide prevention. Essays can be emailed directly to Sharon Sandberg at sandbergs@upmc.edu.

QPR for Clearfield and Jefferson Counties
2023-09-26 13:00 - 15:00
QPR for Clearfield and Jefferson Counties
HELP PREVENT SUICIDE
Suicide prevention training webinars aim to save lives. Learn steps you can take to save a life and reduce suicidal behaviors in your community. Question, Persuade and Refer is an emergency health intervention program designed to give you practical tools and techniques to address and prevent suicide. Gain insights to recognize warning signs of suicide in friends, coworkers, family members or neighbors in need. Anyone concerned about helping others may participate in QPR. Discuss potential scenarios and engage active listening and persuasion techniques.
WEBINAR SCHEDULE
Plan to attend one of these 2-hour webinars to learn how to identify and interrupt a crisis and to direct someone to proper care.
+ 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26
+ 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11
+ 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26
+ 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 2
+ 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7
+ 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8
+ 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13
REGISTER AT:
extension.psu.edu/qpr-clearfield-jefferson
Once registered, you will receive a link to access the webinar.
Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences research and extension programs are funded in part by Pennsylvania counties, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Pennsylvania State University encourages qualified persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Penn State Extension at 1-877-345-0691 in advance of your participation or visit.
Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
Code 6728 | U.Ed. AGR 23-42 | Rev.25C07/23mpc

NWPA Veteran Suicide Prevention Program’s Journal Club
2023-09-26 09:00 - 10:00
SEPTEMBER 26TH • 9:00 AM
NWPA Veteran Suicide Prevention Program’s Journal Club
“Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) presents a major public health problem for which currently available treatments are modestly effective…It is therefore imperative to identify a therapeutic that is beneficial in those individuals, including those with common comorbidities such as dissociation, depression, a history of alcohol and substance use disorders, and childhood trauma.”
Journal of Nature Medicine, Vol. 27, 2021 Mitchell, J.M., Bogenschutz, M., Lilienstein, A., Harrison, C., Kleiman, S., Parker-Guilbert, K., Ot’alora M., Garas, W., Paleos, C., Gorman, I., et al.
Title: MDMA-assisted therapy for severe PTSD: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 study
Scan me! to access article
RSVP to Patti Tanner – pag109@pitt.edu
*Meeting conducted via Teams
