The Resilient Veteran

Equine Event for Veterans and Their Families
2023-01-28 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
Join us for a fun morning of FREE activities for the whole family!

Horsemanship & Groundwork Emotions & Body Language
Snowshoeing & Archery
Free Childcare (on-site)
Physical Health & Riding
Wellness Resources
Butler VA is offering FREE (limited) transportation to/from this event.

JANUARY 28, 2023 · TWO SESSIONS! 10AM-12PM and 1-3PM
Storm Harbor Equestrian Center
245 Harmony Rd, Slippery Rock, PA 16057
(weather dependent)
ALL AGES AND ABILITIES ARE WELCOME!
Children aged >5 yrs. may participate in activities. Storm Harbor has adaptive equipment for riders who need accommodations; riding is not required to participate.
Questions? Need a ride to the event? Contact Patti at pag109@pitt.edu or 878-208-8186
Register online to let us know you’re attending! A pdf of the event flyer is available to download and share.

QPR + CALM Training
2023-01-25 11:00 - 14:00, 2022-12-19 12:00 - 15:30, 2022-12-09 09:00 - 12:30, 2022-11-07 09:00 - 12:30, 2022-10-31 12:00 - 15:30, 2022-10-26 10:00 - 13:30, 2022-10-17 13:00 - 16:00
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 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!

Recovery is Community Virtual Narcan Training
2023-01-19 12:00 - 13:00
Virtual Training Series
This is a Recovery is Community NWPA grant project through UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor.
We hope you can join us for our Recovery is Beautiful NWPA Naloxone Training Series every third Thursday at 12-1pm. These talks will feature Susan Huffman, Senior Program Specialist for Venango County SCA and Julia Covert, Prevention Specialist for Crawford County Drug and Alcohol.
FREE. Register online.
Free CE credit of 1.0 hour will be offered for LSW/LCSW/LPC/LMFT and Nursing to those who attend.

Requirements include attendance for the duration of the session and completion of a course evaluation provided at the end of the session.
ACCREDITATION
In support of improving patient care the University of Pittsburgh is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the health care team.
SOCIAL WORK (CEU)
Mercyhurst University’s Department of Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and is an approved provider of Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapist and Professional Counselor continuing education by the Pennsylvania State Licensing Board.

Mitigating Crisis And Strengthening Trust For Veterans
2023-01-18 13:00 - 14:30
Live Webinar On Mitigating Crisis And Strengthening Trust For Veterans
Date: Jan. 18, 2023, 1 p.m.
Register and Learn more: Katie Stenger, at 716-673-5017 or email katie.stenger@summitbhc.com
Presented By: Alia Schenck, MA, MSW, LCSW-A
Description: A look at service delivery, important principles of relational building among Veterans and family members. This online class will seek to encourage best practices to mitigating crises, understanding unique challenges with Veterans & Caregivers and encouraging empathy among service professionals.

Erie VA Medical Center Hybrid Veteran Town Hall
2023-01-12 15:00 - 16:00
Erie VA Medical Center To Host Hybrid Veteran Town Hall
Date: Jan. 12, 2023, 3-4 p.m.
Location: Erie VAMC, 135 East 38th St., 2nd Floor, Conference Rooms 2A-2C, Erie, PA (Erie County)
Who should attend: Veterans, caregivers and family members are invited to attend this town hall, being held in person and virtually.
Participants will have the opportunity to meet with Erie VAMC Director John A. Gennaro and the executive leadership team. Anyone who cannot attend in person can participate via phone, at 872-701-0185, using conference ID number 659 103 406#.

How States and Communities Can Better Support Military and Veteran Caregivers
2023-01-12 14:00 - 15:30
Date: Three-part series: December 13, 2022; January 12, 2023; February 9, 2023Time: 2:00–3:30 p.m. ET
Register Online

Session 2 – Identifying and Engaging Military and Veteran Caregivers

Thursday, January 12, 2023, 2:00-3:30 p.m. ET

Learning Objectives

Describe the challenges of self-identification
Discover strategies for better outreach and engagement
Identify opportunities to empower the caregiver voice

Presenter

Melissa Comeau, M.S., Director, Military Veteran Caregiver Network, American Red Cross

With over 5.5 million military and Veteran caregivers in the United States, the implementation of the newly released National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers is a critical step forward for those caring for our Nation’s wounded, ill, and injured service members and Veterans. Caregivers consistently experience worse health outcomes, greater challenges in family relationships, and increased difficulties in the workplace than non-caregivers. Military and Veteran caregivers are unique in that they tend to be younger and serve in caregiver roles longer than their civilian counterparts.

This learning community will provide participants an opportunity to learn in a small group and interactive setting. The objectives of this learning community are to (1) Discover a framework for supporting military and Veteran caregivers, (2) Examine how both paid and informal caregivers can be recognized and valued in the continuum of care, and (3) Identify resources available that are specifically tailored for military and Veteran caregivers.

The learning community will meet monthly for three sessions beginning in December 2022 via Zoom. Each session will feature an expert presentation with engaging group discussion incorporated throughout.

107th Pennsylvania Farm Show
2023-01-12 08:00 - 17:00
Join us at the 107th Pennsylvania Farm Show for Military Veterans & Families Day on Thursday, January 12th.

Thursday at PA Farm Show is dedicated to honoring U.S. military Veterans and their families for their service to our country. The wildly popular Army-Navy Cookoff anchors the day, starring military chefs battling it out for culinary supremacy on the PA Preferred® Culinary Connection stage at 1:00 p.m. Chefs from all service branches plus farmer-Veterans are featured all day!
View the entire program description online. Hope to see you there!

Mindfulness Meditation Classes for Veterans
2023-01-06 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: January 6 and February 3. Join any or all classes.

Acupuncture & Pain Management for Veteran Clients with Physical Symptoms of PTSD and Chronic Pain
2022-12-16 11:00 - 13:00
Acupuncture & Pain Management for Veteran Clients with Physical Symptoms of PTSD and Chronic Pain
December 16, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm EST
The course will be about introducing alternative options for physical symptoms related to PTSD such as insomnia, nightmares, chronic pain, and fatigue. It will include detailed information on modalities to help manage these symptoms for better engagement in clinical services.

QPR Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training
2022-12-15 13:00 - 15:00, 2022-11-17 09:00 - 11:00
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 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 States and Communities Can Better Support Military and Veteran Caregivers
2022-12-13 14:00 - 15:30
Date: Three-part series: December 13, 2022; January 12, 2023; February 9, 2023Time: 2:00–3:30 p.m. ET
Register Online

Session 1 – The Future of Caregiving: A Path for the Way Forward

Part 1: Tuesday, December 13, 2022, 2:00-3:30 p.m. ET

Learning Objectives

Describe what we know about the caregiver population, which includes not only spouses but also children, grandparents, siblings, neighbors, and friends
Review the recently released National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers
Examine the latest research and national trends on military and Veteran caregivers

Presenter

Roxana Delgado, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, UT Health San Antonio; Research Advisor to the Campaign for Inclusive Care, Dole Caregiver Fellow Alumna, Elizabeth Dole Foundation

With over 5.5 million military and Veteran caregivers in the United States, the implementation of the newly released National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers is a critical step forward for those caring for our Nation’s wounded, ill, and injured service members and Veterans. Caregivers consistently experience worse health outcomes, greater challenges in family relationships, and increased difficulties in the workplace than non-caregivers. Military and Veteran caregivers are unique in that they tend to be younger and serve in caregiver roles longer than their civilian counterparts.

This learning community will provide participants an opportunity to learn in a small group and interactive setting. The objectives of this learning community are to (1) Discover a framework for supporting military and Veteran caregivers, (2) Examine how both paid and informal caregivers can be recognized and valued in the continuum of care, and (3) Identify resources available that are specifically tailored for military and Veteran caregivers.

The learning community will meet monthly for three sessions beginning in December 2022 via Zoom. Each session will feature an expert presentation with engaging group discussion incorporated throughout.

QPR Training
2022-12-07 19:00 - 20:00
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 session will be held in-person at:
Ft. LeBeouf American Legion Post 285
120 W. 4th Street, Waterford, PA
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 registration information. Please contact us if you experience challenges with registration.
We look forward to meeting you at an upcoming training session!

Recent Innovations in the Assessment and Prediction of Self-Directed Violence
2022-12-07 11:00 - 12:00
Wednesday, Dec 7 2022 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
(UTC-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)

Agenda
This talk will describe recent developments regarding the assessment and prediction of suicidal and nonsuicidal self-injurious thoughts and behaviors among Veterans. Topics covered will include the development and validation of the Durham Risk Score, the Screen for Nonsuicidal Self-Injury, and ongoing efforts to use machine learning approaches to improve the prediction of suicide among Veterans through integration and analysis of electronic health record data, geospatial data, natural language processing, and genomics.
Intended Audience: Researchers and clinicians interested in learning about recent innovations in the assessment and prediction of self-directed violence.

Register for webinar
If you want to attend, register now. When your registration is approved, you’ll receive an invitation to join.

Host
Heidi Schlueter

Women Veterans Empowerment Workshop
2022-11-20 13:00 - 15:00
Hosted by Women Veterans Empowered & Thriving, a 501c3 all volunteer nonprofit organization.
Any and all women Veterans are welcome to this free online workshop regardless of discharge status or time in service.
Discover the Artistry of Empowerment with WVE&T
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
All other veterans are welcome to join us in our All Veterans Empowerment Workshops.
Register online.

Veterans' Discussion at Passavant Community
2022-11-16 13:00 - 15:00
Join us for a Veterans’ discussion at Passavant Community on Wednesday, November 16, 2022 from 1 pm – 3 pm.
Enjoy light refreshments and take part in a discussion about the impact of moral injury on Veterans. Sponsored by Lutheran Senior Life, Aspire Wellness, and the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy Program Evaluation and Research Unit (PERU).
Featuring Marine Corps Veteran Lee Wagner. Topics include creating awareness on Veterans’ issues highlighting supportive environments to encourage social connectedness.
Please RSVP by Friday, November 9th by calling 724-452-3456 or email Brian.Damaska@lutheranseniorlife.org.

All Veterans Empowerment Workshop
2022-11-10 18:30 - 20:30
Hosted by Women Veterans Empowered & Thriving, a 501c3 all volunteer nonprofit organization.
Any and all Veterans are welcome to this session regardless of discharge status or time in service. This online workshop is free of charge to all attendees.
Discover the Artistry of Empowerment with WVE&T
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
Register online.

Supporting Veterans Empowerment Workshop
2022-11-08 19:00 - 21:00
Hosted by Women Veterans Empowered and Thriving, a 501c3 all volunteer nonprofit organization.
Discover the Artistry of Empowerment with WVE&T in this free online workshop and discussion.
~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
Register online.

DMVA to Host Virtual Town Hall Honoring Veterans
2022-11-02 18:00 - 19:30
The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) will host the fifth and final virtual Veteran Town Hall of the year on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022, from 6-7:30 p.m. The town hall will focus on honoring Veterans for their service and sacrifice.
Please join Brig. Gen. (PA) Maureen Weigl, DMVA deputy adjutant general for Veterans Affairs; Kory Auch, Governor’s Office of Administration special advisor for Veteran Programs; Bridget Slagan, Camp Freedom development coordinator; and Debbie Goral, VA Veteran Community Partnership.
Attendees can participate by using this Microsoft Teams Link. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions of the presenters live during the program through the chat feature.
“As Veterans Day approaches, it is only appropriate that our final town hall of the year honors Pennsylvania’s more than 700,000 veterans for all they have done to protect our nation and preserve our freedom,” said Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and head of the DMVA. “It will be a pleasure to express our admiration for veterans and their families, while overviewing the various community organizations that honor veterans with free programs and services.”
The 2022 town hall series has provided the commonwealth’s veterans with a convenient platform to learn and ask questions about programs and services earned through their military service.
For anyone who would like to view recordings of the previous 2022 Virtual Veteran Town Hall sessions, please use this link.
To learn more about the DMVA, visit us online at www.dmva.pa.gov or follow us at www.facebook.com/padmva or www.twitter.com/padmva.

Brave Conversations About Substance Use
2022-10-28 12:00 - 13:00
Brave Conversations About Substance Use
Join the next Recovery is Community NWPA virtual training! No registration is needed.
Presented by Angela Morton, MA
October 28, 2022
12:00 – 1:00 PM
Click here to join the meeting

hours of CE credits for AMA, ANCC, and LSW/LCW/LPC/LMFT will be offered to those who attend.

Recovery Is Beautiful NWPA: Offering recovery support for women with substance use disorder and their families in Erie, Crawford, and Venango Counties.

Veteran Community Initiatives’ (VCI) 17th Annual Veteran Issues Symposium
2022-10-27 08:30 - 15:00
Veteran Community Initiatives’ (VCI) 17th Annual Veteran Issues Symposium
“MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE ISSUES”
Thursday, October 27, 2022
8:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Asiago’s Tuscan Italian Restaurant
709 Edgehill Dr.
Johnstown, PA 15905
Pre-Registration is REQUIRED
Reserve your seat today by calling VCI at (814) 255-0355
Veteran Suicide Prevention: – “Training & Education”
Thursday, October 27th, 2022
8:30- 9:00 Registration / Networking
9:00- 9:05 Welcome- Tom Caulfield, Together With Veterans – Cambria County Steering Committee Chair
9:05- 11:15 Suicide Prevention & Education: “QRP (Question. Persuade. Refer)- “Ask a Question-Save A Life”
Lee Wagner, University of Pittsburgh-School of Pharmacy-PERU
10:05-10:10 BREAK
11:15-11:45 Cambria County Veterans Court: Peer Mentor Panel, Marty Kuhar, Karen Esias, and Craig Minnick
11:45-12:45 LUNCH
12:45-1:10 Pubic Meeting begins for Together With Veterans- Cambria County
Josh Hauser, TWV – Cambria County Coordinator & Emcee for TWV Public Meeting
1:10-1:30 Cindy Ickes, Personal Story
1:30- 2:00 Donna, WICHE, TWV Program
2:00- 3:00 Olivia Luzier, VA Suicide Prevention, SAVE Training
3:00-3:15 Program Wrap-Up/ Questions & Answers

Veteran Community Initiatives’ (VCI) 17th Annual Veteran Issues Symposium
2022-10-26 08:30 - 15:00
Veteran Community Initiatives’ (VCI) 17th Annual Veteran Issues Symposium
“MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE ISSUES”
Wednesday, October 26, 2022
8:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Asiago’s Tuscan Italian Restaurant
709 Edgehill Dr.
Johnstown, PA 15905
Pre-Registration is REQUIRED
Reserve your seat today by calling VCI at (814) 255-0355
“Mental Health and Substance Abuse Issues”
Wednesday, October 26th 2022
8:30- 9:00 Registration / Networking
9:00- 9:15 Welcome- Tom Caulfield, President/CEO, Veteran Community Initiatives (VCI)
9:15- 9:20 Emcee- Natalie Kaufman, Executive Director, Cambria County Drug Coalition
9:20- 10:00 Natalie Kaufman, “Drug Coalition Growth and Red Ribbon Week”
Nichole Rousell, Project Coordinator, Cambria County Drug Coalition– “Recovery Story”
10:00-10:20 Break / Networking Opportunity
10:20- 11:10 Dave Peightal- “Veteran Recovery Story”
11:10-11:50 Jason Rilogio- “Recovery Community Organization”
11:50-12:40 LUNCH
12:40-1:15 Cambria County Veterans Court: “Observation & Results” Judge Timothy Creany, Cambria Co. Senior Judge & Cambria County District Attorney Greg Neugebauer
1:15-2:50 Highlands Health Group- Narcan: Training & Education
2:50-3:00 Program Wrap-Up/Questions & Answers

11th Annual National LOSS Team Conference
2022-10-16 08:00 - 2022-10-18 17:00
The Annual National LOSS (Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors) Team Conference is a multi-dimensional, multi-day event that actively explores the public health crisis of suicide. It includes community engagement, nationally recognized subject experts, and strategic conference topics, creating a unique opportunity for mental health professionals, first responders, school counselors, faith leaders, funeral directors, suicide loss survivors, LOSS Team members, and other community members to share and learn about caring for those struggling with a loss to suicide.

This year’s conference theme is ‘Postvention is Prevention’. Developing a LOSS Team and integrating it into a community provides immediate support and resources to persons who have lost a loved one, friend, or colleague to suicide. LOSS Teams engage in advanced postvention efforts that take place immediately following a death by suicide and provide services, support, and linkage to the suicidally bereaved. Regrettably, in many communities there is no organized response to local suicides, which can leave survivors to feel isolated, guilty, or ashamed as they attempt to find a path forward. The bereaved may struggle for long periods of time before seeking or receiving help. LOSS Teams can change that. Research shows that families touched by suicide that do not receive initial services by a LOSS Team will wait many years before reaching out for help.

The ONSITE conference registration fee includes the following:

Admittance to all 4 keynote speakers
Admittance to 5 workshops
CEUs*
Breakfast, lunch, and snacks for both conference days
Optional evening excursion: Trolley ride to downtown Fort Wayne

The VIRTUAL conference registration fee includes the following:

Admittance to all 4 keynote speakers
Admittance to one workshop from each track
LOSS panel
LOSS Team panel

*Continuing education hours are available for conference attendees and are included in the registration fee. Certificates are awarded by Purdue University Fort Wayne and will be emailed after the conference.

Visit the conference website for full details and registration.

Mindfulness Meditation Class for Veterans
2022-10-14 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.
