The Resilient Veteran

Erie Clean Up Day!
2022-08-13 08:30 - 12:30 (America/New_York)
In partnership with PERU’s Northwest Pennsylvania Veteran Suicide Prevention Program, the Penn State Extension Master Watershed Stewards are hosting a clean up on Ore Dock Road on Saturday August 13 at 8:30am.
Register before August 10 to get details on location. Gloves and bags will be provides. Snacks and water will be available. There are opportunities for all comfort levels!
Registration is limited so reserve your place today! We’ll see you there!
Register by scanning the QR code or by reaching out to Lee Wagner directly: LEW146@pitt.edu
A pdf of the image is available to download.

Mindfulness Meditation Class for Veterans
2022-08-12 11:00 - 12:00, 2022-07-08 11:00 - 12:00
Join VA’s free, phone-based class called “Mindfulness Meditation.” Designed for Veterans of all eras, this class will help you manage the challenges and stressors of everyday life. Each class covers a topic related to mindfulness, followed by a guided meditation practice. Classes are available from 11a.m. to noon ET on these upcoming days: July 8, August 12, September 9, and October 14. Join any or all classes.

Suicide Prevention in Veterans With Substance Use Disorders
2022-08-10 14:00 - 17:00
This live, knowledge-based webinar will address challenges in assessing individuals with concurrent substance use and suicide risk, and it will offer treatment recommendations.

Date: Aug. 10 at 2 p.m. ET
Location: VHA TRAIN
Access Links: Non-VA employees click here. VA employees click here.
Audience: Physicians, nurses, counselors, psychologists, social workers and pharmacists
Modality: Virtual conference (webinar)
Credit/hours: 1
Accreditations: ACCME, ACCME-NP, ACPE, ANCC, APA, ASWB, 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 Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training
2022-08-05 11:00 - 13:00, 2022-08-03 13:00 - 15:00, 2022-06-29 08:00 - 10:00, 2022-06-07 08:00 - 10:00, 2022-06-03 11:00 - 13:00, 2022-05-27 14:00 - 16:00, 2022-05-23 12:00 - 14:00, 2022-05-18 12:00 - 14:00 and 1 more date
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 or print the flyer and access the registration QR code. You can also access the registration form directly. Please contact us if you experience challenges with registration.
We look forward to meeting you at an upcoming training session!

How to Access, Collect, and Use Data to Support Suicide Prevention Efforts
2022-07-26 14:00 - 15:00
How to Access, Collect, and Use Data to Support Suicide Prevention Efforts

Date: July 26, 2022Time: 2:00–3:00 p.m. ET

During this session, participants will have the opportunity to hear from two states participating in the Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among SMVF. Representatives from Governor’s Challenge teams will describe how they used data in their respective strategies, including what worked and what they would do differently. Participants will be able to ask questions to help with their own efforts.

Presenters

Jason Hughes, Program Manager, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation
Amy M. Cook, Administrator, Division of Community Based Military Programs, New Hampshire Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services

Objectives

Review how the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) and the Ohio Governor’s Challenge team tracks Veteran-related suicide prevention data directly associated with Strategy 4 of the Suicide Prevention Plan for Ohio (2020-2022). Explore methods for using those datasets
Discuss New Hampshire’s data collection efforts
Discuss how New Hampshire is intentionally changing the approach based on lessons learned
Open a dialogue for questions and problem-solving

Visit the registration page to sign-up and get the meeting link.

How to Access, Collect, and Use Data to Support Suicide Prevention Efforts
2022-07-19 14:00 - 15:00
How to Access, Collect, and Use Data to Support Suicide Prevention Efforts

Date: July 19, 2022Time: 2:00–3:00 p.m. ET

The purpose of this session is to provide real-time walkthroughs that address the two key series topics to support your suicide prevention efforts: 1) accessing and using datasets and 2) building measurement into your strategies. Presenters will demonstrate how to access and best utilize a few highly versatile public datasets. They will also describe the components needed when applying for data that is proprietary or only available upon request. Then, presenters will give examples of what a measurement plan could look like when applied to an actual Governor’s Challenge strategy. Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions to ensure they receive the practical tools needed to take the next step in finding and using data in their work.

Presenters

Rosalinda Maury, Director of Applied Research and Analytics, D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University
Gilly Cantor, Director of Evaluation and Capacity Building, D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University

Objectives

Instruct on where and how to get to a few commonly used public datasets
Explore methods for using those datasets
Provide instructions for putting together successful requests for data
Share an approach that can be adapted for your own Governor’s Challenge strategies
Open a dialogue for questions and problem-solving

Visit the registration page to sign-up and get the meeting link.

Advance Cultural Competence for Clinical Work with Service Members & Veterans: Panel Discussion
2022-07-19 13:00 - 15:00
This virtual panel discussion includes multidisciplinary behavioral health clinicians, who are also Veterans, and aims to provide an opportunity to discuss advanced topics regarding key cultural factors central to clinical work with Veterans and Service Members.
Tuesday, July 19, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM PDT

Ending Veteran Homelessness: The Landscape Today
2022-06-28 08:00 - 17:00
Registration Deadline: July 1, 2022*

Since 2010, the number of Veterans experiencing homelessness in the United States has been cut almost in half, from 74,087 in 2010 to 37,252 in 2020. Despite the overall decrease in Veteran homelessness, data shows that progress has stalled since 2016. This learning community will explore lessons from the past and center on policy and practice solutions that work. Participants will deepen their understanding of risk and protective factors for Veteran homelessness and of innovative solutions for our most underserved communities. And finally, participants will discover resources available to prevent and end Veteran homelessness.

*Registration is limited to the first 100 registrants. Register online to attend.

Session 1: Learning from the Past, Looking to the Future

Date: July 14, 2022, 2:00-3:30 p.m. ET

Objectives

Explore national trends in Veteran homelessness
Describe risk and protective factors unique to the Veteran population
Identify federal homeless programs and resources available
Review national priorities for ending Veteran homelessness

Presenters

Jack Tsai, PhD, Director of Research, National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
John Kuhn, MPH, LCSW, National Director, Supportive Services for Veteran Families, VA

Session 2: Policy Solutions for Underserved Communities

Date: July 28, 2022, 2:00-3:30 p.m. ET

Objectives

Illustrate the needs of underserved Veterans experiencing homelessness
Describe the implementation of racial equity in Veterans Health Administration (VHA) homeless programs
Highlight plans for a pilot of enhanced services to enable Veterans to age in place

Presenters
Implementing Racial Equity in VHA Homeless Programs

Shawn Liu, LCSW, VHA-CM, Community Engagement Coordinator, Homeless Programs Office, VHA, VA
Anthony Love, MA, Senior Advisor and Director of Community Engagement Homeless Programs Office, VHA, VA

Aging in Place: Veteran Support to Self-Reliance Pilot Program

Amy Fairweather, JD, Director of Policy, Swords to Plowshares

Session 3: Innovative Solutions: How to Engage, How to House, How to Sustain

Date: August 11, 2022, 2:00-3:30 p.m. ET

Objectives

Explore innovative housing solutions for Veterans experiencing homelessness
Identify effective strategies for engaging and housing Veterans
Describe how a holistic approach can provide a sustainable model for housing Veterans and increasing their overall health and well-being

Presenters
VCP Village: Built by Veterans for Veterans

Vincent Morales, Co-founder, Veterans Community Project

A Holistic Approach to Community Integration

Dylan Tête, Executive Director and Founder, Bastion Community of Resilience

National PTSD Awareness Day
2022-06-27
Help Raise PTSD Awareness
There are currently about 8 million people in the United States with PTSD.
Even though PTSD treatments work, most people who have PTSD don’t get the help they need. June is PTSD Awareness Month and June 27 is PTSD Awareness Day. Help us spread the word that effective PTSD treatments are available. Everyone with PTSD—whether they are Veterans or civilian survivors of sexual assault, serious accidents, natural disasters, or other traumatic events—needs to know that treatments really do work and can lead to a better quality of life.
Learn more by visiting the US Department of Veterans Affairs PTSD website or the American Red Cross.
During PTSD Awareness Month, and throughout the entire year, help raise awareness about the many different PTSD treatment options.
Share on social media.

Change your profile picture.
Share our video about PTSD symptoms.
For more inspiration, check out our pre-written posts for Facebook and Twitter.

Email, Text, Mail a Letter.

Send an email to friends and family letting them know about PTSD Awareness Month and encourage them to visit our website for tips and resources.
Text a Veteran in your life, just to check in.
Share our printed materials with someone. You can order brochures, posters, postcards, and other print materials for free online — see what’s available here.

An important first step to spreading awareness about PTSD is to make the pledge. Show your support during PTSD awareness month and join us in spreading the word about PTSD and effective treatment.

Increasing Awareness of Suicide Among Women Veterans
2022-06-23 12:00 - 15:00
Increasing Awareness of Suicide among Women Veterans: Coming Together to Make a Difference
Thursday, June 23rd 2022 from 10:00 am-1:00 pm MST (Virtual)
Women Veterans are an underserved and often overlooked population. Suicide among Women Veterans is a growing problem, and suicide by firearm has increased substantially in this population. Join us to learn about suicide risk and prevention among women Veterans. Various organizations within the community will be present.
Sponsored by the Rocky Mountain MIRECC and the University of Colorado

Google VetNet Career Week
2022-06-21 - 2022-06-23
The Google Veterans Network (VetNet) is proud to present the 2nd annual Google VetNet Career Week, a virtual three-day event offering veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses/partners the tools, support, and advice needed to establish and advance your career. This year, VetNet has also partnered with Welcome.US to extend Career Week to those seeking refuge here.

The three day program will include panels providing an overview of specific job functions and industries found in corporate society today, exclusive fireside chats between executive leaders from Google and partner companies, free skill building sessions, and the opportunity for a 1:1 personal resume review with a Googler.

Whether you’re just beginning your journey or have been in the corporate workforce for years, Google’s VetNet Career Week aims to provide useful networking, learning lessons, and tactical career advice for all.

Visit the VetNet website to see the full schedule of events for each day and register to attend.

Tuesday, June 21: Find the Right Job for You
Are you curious about what role is right for you given your interests, experience, and skills? Watch these panels to receive insight into the day-to-day responsibilities of different functions directly from those who are in the roles. Feel free to hop around to different sessions to hear the various experiences of the panelists.

Wednesday, June 22: Find the Right Industry For You
Are you wondering about which industry is best for you or are you thinking of making a switch? Listen to panelists from different companies speak about their experience in a specific industry, how they broke in, and what it’s like to work in the space. There are three Industry Deep Dive Panels occurring in each hour – attend the one that appeals to you, or feel free to hop around to different tracks to hear the various journeys of the panelists.

Thursday, June 23: Applying What You Learned
Free Training Sessions Available
Apply what you have learned throughout the week with learning sessions below, focused on Transitioning Programs, Networking + Interviewing, and Job Specific Skills. Please select one of the below session per time block to attend & click the sign up link. Please note that we have a maximum of 500 attendees in each session so if you sign up, we expect you to attend.

Suicide Research Symposium
2022-06-16 - 2022-06-17
The inaugural Suicide Research Symposium (SRS) will take place on June 16–17, 2022. The SRS will be free and take place virtually.
We envision this being a place where you have the opportunity to:

Present recent research findings

Stay informed on recent developments in suicide research

Network, connect, and find a community with other suicide researchers

Sessions take place between 11 am and 6 pm EST. The full schedule of speakers can be found online on the SRS 2022 website.

Family & Caretakers of Veterans Empowerment Workshop
2022-06-14 18:30 - 20:30
About the event

Family members and caretakers of veterans welcome!
Here at WVE&T we facilitate workshops to practice skills of Empowerment
~Schedule time for yourself without apologizes
~Practice speaking, writing and living without taking things personally
~Learn to empower yourself from within
~Practice observing without judgment
Invest in a compassionate, cooperative community of Empowerment for YOU!
Previous artistic experience not necessary

Time & Location

June 14, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM EST
Zoom
Register Online

2022 Comprehensive Moral Injury Conference
2022-06-07 08:00 - 2022-06-09 17:00
Moral Injury Support Network for Servicewomen, Inc. 2022 Comprehensive Moral Injury Conference
Are you in the related fields of a psychologist, social worker, family therapists, or chaplain? The 2022 Comprehensive Moral Injury Conference will help bridge the gap in knowledge by presenting introductory and intermediate level instruction on MI research, assessment tools, and interventions being used by thought leaders and practitioners in the fields of psychology, social work, chaplaincy, and other healthcare fields. This conference takes a holistic, collaborative approach to MI. Regardless of where clinicians, chaplains, and therapists work, they are likely to encounter a person with MI and should understand how to identify it, as well as help the person or get them the care they need.
This year’s conference takes place June 7-9 via Zoom and offers a chance for care providers to learn more about moral injury research, assessment, and treatment from thought leaders and practitioners in the field.
Conference registration is available online. Registration fee is $100.
For your registration, you will receive:

Admission to all conference events.
Access to all conference recordings.
Copies of video transcripts.
Free copies of all handouts and brochures.
Free membership to Dialogue, the online network for survivors, researchers and support providers of servicewomen and families affected by military moral injury.

So even if you cannot attend all the live events, you’ll be able to watch the videos and read the transcripts after the event.

PA CARES Training Summit 2022
2022-05-24 08:00 - 12:00
PA CARES Training Summit 2022
This event was planned in collaboration with the PA Cares Military Task Force.
Date: May 24, 2022
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
This half day training event will focus on considerations that are needed to promote wellness within the lives of service members, veterans, and their families. Selected topics include: military culture, veteran wellness, veteran program funding and benefits, Guard/Reservist support programs, resources available for the SM/Veteran population reviewed through an interactive panel dialogue, and federal, state, county and community programs. The audience will have opportunities to engage presenters throughout the session. As a result of this training, the participants will be able to:

Distinguish and identify military culture nuances that will promote a better rapport when providing services to the SM/Veteran population.
Recognize various challenges faced by active, reserve and guard service members when seeking benefits and resources across Pennsylvania.
Discuss mental health/behavioral health challenges, programs and resources offered by the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs, PA Dept. of Military and Veterans Affairs, as well as other state and local agencies, and the advocacy efforts to promote wellness and coordination of services.
Describe PA VET Connect resource program, the Veteran Trust Fund, grant application process, and examples of recipients/resources provided.
Describe PA National Guard psychological programs, resources and procedures, to support Guard, and Reservists throughout their careers.
List and identify county, state, and federal programs and resources available to Pennsylvania’s SM/Veteran population and their families.

Attendance and completion certificates will be awarded in the amount of 4.0 hours.
You must set up a TRAIN PA account to register. Once you have logged in, the event can be found at https://www.train.org/pa/course/1102371/live_event
No registrations accepted after May 19, 2022.
No registrations accepted by phone.
Registrations are limited to the first 300 applicants.
Download the flyer for more information.

Women Veterans Empowerment Workshop
2022-05-22 13:00 - 15:00
About the Event

This is a workshop that utilizes free writing, breathing techniques, and community agreements.
Free writing is allowing the freedom of thoughts and ideas to flow unto the paper without judgment or expectation of what it will become.
Previous writing experience is not required.
This workshop is free and open to all women veterans, all eras, all separation statuses, and service members.
Be supported by healthy camaraderie, clear communication, and community empowerment.
Time & Location

May 22, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM EST
Zoom
Register online.

2022 VA Research Symposium
2022-05-20 14:00 - 16:00
In observance of National VA Research Week, VA’s Office of Research and Development is hosting an online symposium to highlight the work of four groundbreaking VA investigators. Each has been recognized for outstanding research that has advanced knowledge in their fields and improved the lives of Veterans and others. The awardees are Dr. Leigh Hochberg, VA Providence Health Care System; Dr. Louis Dell’Italia, Birmingham VA Health Care System; Dr. Donna Washington, Greater Los Angeles Health Care System; and Dr. Robert Bonomo, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center.
Register online to attend this free, virtual event.

Prevent Suicide PA Conference
2022-05-19 - 2022-05-20
For the first time, the Higher Education Suicide Prevention Coalition and Prevent Suicide PA are joining forces to bring you one comprehensive conference focused on improving the lives of those in our communities! Attendees have the ability to experience presentations from both within their usual context as well as attend sessions from this expanded format. This year, the two-day conference taking place May 19-20 will be presented in a hybrid model. You can either enjoy the sessions in person at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh or virtually in the comfort of your own home.

Educational Objectives
By the completion of this conference, participants will be able to:

Identify methods to increase awareness of suicide prevention and suicidal behavior.
Describe the opportunities and challenges of implementing suicide prevention to increase participation and contributions within the greater community.
Develop feasible suicide prevention strategies that can be implemented across communities to reduce the likelihood of suicidal behavior.
Identify resources to implement suicide prevention strategies across various communities.
Build collaboration with colleagues and community partners to address the suicide prevention needs of those in your community.

Target Audience

Student Health Staff, Counseling Center Staff, Residence Life Staff, Student Life Deans and Staff.
Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Social Workers, and Marriage & Family Therapists
Loss and Attempt Survivors, Task Forces, Peer Support Agencies, Youth and Aging Agencies, Community Leaders, Veterans
College students are also invited to attend the conference and the designated Student Track

The full conference agenda is available online.
Event fees are $25 for students, $75 for general admission virtual, and $125 for general admission in-person. Tickets can be purchased online.

VA Women’s Health Reengagement Training (heaRT)
2022-05-13 09:00 - 13:00
Note: This is an in-person training session taking place in Pittsburgh, PA. Please contact info@WomensheaRT.info for location details.
If you are a woman with military service experience and are not enrolled in VA health care, this program is for you. VA’s Office of Women’s Health (OWH) is bringing the nation’s Veteran women unenrolled in VA services a training program to give you the opportunity to connect with fellow Veteran women in your community. Learn how to determine VA care eligibility and enroll in VA, what Veteran- and women- centered VA health care services are available to you, and connect with fellow Veteran women in your community.
Through the VA Women’s Health Reengagement Training (heaRT), you will connect with fellow Veteran women in your community and learn what Veteran- and women- centered VA health care services are available to you:
· Preventive care and wellness
· Women’s health services
· Whole health & mental health services
· How to determine VA care eligibility and enroll in VA
The virtual training will be a women-only, one-time, 4-hour session. If you need to change or cancel your registration, please visit https://calendly.com/WomensheaRT. Please contact with info@WomensheaRT.info any questions.

Erie VA Virtual Moral Injury and Suicide Prevention Seminar
2022-05-12 10:00 - 12:00
The Erie VA Medical Center Chaplain Service invites regional clergy, spiritual workers, and lay leaders with a passion for Veterans to participate in its Virtual Moral Injury and Suicide Prevention Seminar.
Presenters Dr. J. Irene Harris (nationally recognized expert in the treatment of Moral Injury) and Brandon Wiley, LPC will aid participants in:
• Understanding suicide prevention and moral injury
• Recognizing traits of suicide risk and spiritual distress
• Identifying paths for wellness and spiritual strengths to help Veterans cope
The Department of Veterans Affairs defines moral injury as:
• In traumatic or unusually stressful circumstances, people may perpetrate, fail to prevent, or witness events that contradict deeply held moral beliefs and expectations
• The distressing psychological, behavioral, social, and sometimes spiritual aftermath of exposure to such events
• Moral injury can occur in response to acting or witnessing behaviors that go against an individual’s values and moral beliefs
Please join us for this important first step in providing vital care and support to Veterans.
The first ten registrants who attend the entire seminar will receive a $25 gift card donated by the Erie VA Behavioral Health Council.
Register online through EventBrite.

Westmoreland County Veterans Conference 2022
2022-05-12 08:30 - 17:00
Calling all Professionals who work with Veterans!
Come learn about resources for Veterans and hear from our Keynote Speaker, Brandon Rumbaugh!
Please download a pdf of the event and share with your networks.
May 12, 2022
8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Westmoreland County Community College-Student Achievement Center
6 Social Work and PCB Credits-Pending are being offered
Vendor Tables with Veteran Resources
Please register online to attend this event.
