The Resilient Veteran

Treating Comorbid PTSD and Substance Use Disorder
2024-01-30 12:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York)
Treating Comorbid PTSD and Substance Use Disorder
January 30, 2024
9:00-10:30 am Pacific
10am MT – 11am CT – 12pm ET
Location:
Virtual location
You will receive a confirmation email with a URL.
Register online
Presented by:
Sonya B. Norman, PhD
Description:
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) rarely occurs on its own yet comorbid conditions can complicate treatment and impact treatment outcomes. In this lecture, we will learn about two common co-occurring conditions. We will discuss the comorbidity of PTSD and substance use disorder (SUD). SUD is one of the most prevalent comorbidities among those with PTSD. Topics will include why these two disorders often co-occur and how those who have both differ from those who have either PTSD or SUD in terms of their physical and mental health and treatment outcomes. We will review research on how to effectively treat those who have both PTSD and SUD. The focus of the lecture will be on clinical strategies to use when treating clients who have PTSD+SUD.
More Information Contact:
Organizer: Katie Stenger, (716) 673-5017

Butler County Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
2024-02-06 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 Youth Mental Health First Aid:
Tuesday February 6, 2024, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Registration deadline: Friday, January 26, 2024
In Person Adult Mental Health First Aid Class Options:
Tuesday, March 19th, 2024, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Registration deadline: Friday, March 8, 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

Advancing the Science on Peer Support and Suicide Prevention
2024-02-08 11:00 - 16:00, 2024-02-12 11:00 - 15:30
Advancing the Science on Peer Support and Suicide Prevention 2-Day Workshop

This virtual workshop is hosted by the National Institute of Mental Health on Thursday, February 8th and Monday, February 12th.
Peer support services specifically intended to contribute to suicide risk reduction are becoming more prominent in healthcare systems and community settings. Such services can be used to address barriers for receiving proven interventions, while also improving hope, connection, recovery, and empowerment. Despite emerging research on the effectiveness and implementation of these models, there are research gaps that could lead to missed opportunities in optimizing them. This NIMH-sponsored workshop will bring together experts in peer support suicide prevention to discuss relevant conceptual frameworks, recent advances in understanding what works and for whom, service settings and service-user characteristics that inform intervention strategies across the crisis services continuum, digital and tele-health applications, considerations for youth, and equity considerations. The workshop will identify innovative advancements and areas that need additional research as the field moves forward.

About this event

This is a virtual event. A zoom link will be sent to you prior to the event date. There is no cost to attend and CEUs are not provided.
See the full schedule and register online.

QPR + CALM Training
2024-02-09 09:00 - 12:00, 2024-02-27 11:00 - 14:00, 2024-03-13 08:30 - 11:30, 2024-03-27 14:00 - 17:00, 2024-04-05 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!

Ketamine for Depression and Suicide Prevention in VA
2024-02-14 14:00 - 15:30
Ketamine for Depression and Suicide Prevention in VA
February 14 2024 2:00 ET Eric Hermes, MD
Visit https://www.mirecc.va.gov/visn19/cpg/webinar.asp for information and to register.

Treatment-resistant depression and suicidality are common and interrelated problems for Veterans. Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic drug that has recently been investigated as a treatment option. Eric Hermes, MD, will review the history and role of ketamine in the treatment of depression and suicidality and discuss the implementation of ketamine delivery programs across VA. This webinar will improve participant’s understanding of the role of ketamine in VA mental health treatment.

Following this live webinar, particpants will be able to:

Define treatment-resistant depression and its approximate prevalence among Veterans using VA services.
Identify the role of ketamine in the treatment of Veterans with depression and suicidality in VA.
Describe the deployment of ketamine and other somatic treatment programs across VA.

Eric Hermes, MD
Dr. Hermes is the Director for Psychopharmacology and Somatic Treatments in the VA Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. He is a psychiatrist and associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the Yale University School of Medicine, where he studies implementation and quality improvement in mental health services.

Empowering the Behavioral Health Workforce to Meet the Needs of Service Members, Veterans, and their Families
2024-02-22 14:00 - 15:30
Empowering the Behavioral Health Workforce to Meet the Needs of Service Members, Veterans, and their Families
The behavioral health workforce shortage throughout the United States is well documented. At the same time, there is a growing demand for military culturally responsive services for service members, Veterans, and their families (SMVF). This learning community will examine strategies to strengthen and empower the behavioral health workforce to meet the unique needs of SMVF.
The learning community will meet monthly beginning in December 2023 via Zoom. Each session will feature both expert presentations and group discussions.

Session 3: Educating Civilian Providers

Date: February 22, 2024Time: 2:00–3:30 p.m. ET
Register Online

Learning Objectives

Demonstrate the critical need for civilian providers to be military-culturally responsive and aware of unique risk and protective factors for SMVF in their care
Identify training opportunities for civilian providers to increase their knowledge and readiness to serve SMVF
Highlight opportunities to demonstrate an organization’s commitment and readiness to serve SMVF

Presenter

Jenna Pryor, Vice President of Implementation, Learning & Evaluation, PsychArmor

Community Resilience Conference
2024-03-01 08:00 - 17:00
Building Domains of Resilience: Purpose. Perspective. Relationship. Wellness.
3rd Annual Erie County Community Resilience Conference
Building Domains of Resilience: Purpose. Perspective. Relationship. Wellness.
Friday, March 1st, 2024
CONFERENCE DETAILS
• This conference will be a virtual event.
o General Admission is FREE, but you MUST register to receive the Zoom links.
o If you require Continuing Education Credits, fees may apply.
• If you cannot join us on March 1st, but would like to view the sessions, all sessions will be recorded and made available via our website for 60 days after the conference.

ASIST Workshop in Warren, PA
2024-03-05 08:30 - 2024-03-06 16:30
ASIST Training: Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training
March 5 & 6, 2024 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (both days)
Hosted by: Beacon Light
1885 Market Street, Warren, PA 16365
Cost: FREE
Learn the skills. Suicide is Preventable. Help save a life.
** Free CEUs will be provided in EMS/LSW/LPC/LMFT from UPMC.
Questions? Call 878-208-8186 or email pag109@pitt.edu
Register using the QR code or https://rb.gy/j4oea
ASIST is a two-day, highly participatory workshop in which participants learn to use a suicide intervention model to identify individuals with thoughts of suicide, seek a shared understanding of reasons for dying and living, develop a safety plan based upon a review of risk, and learn how to provide active follow-up.

Recognize that caregivers and persons at risk are affected by personal and societal attitudes about suicide.
Discuss suicide in a direct manner with someone at risk.
Identify risk alerts and develop related safety plans.
Demonstrate the skills required to intervene with a person at risk of suicide.
List the types of resources available to a person at risk, including themselves.
Make a commitment to improving community resources.
Recognize that suicide prevention is broader than suicide first-aid and includes life promotion and self-care for caregivers.

QPR at Slippery Rock University, Butler, PA
2024-03-07 09:00 - 11:00
QPR at Slippery Rock University, Butler, PA
Learn How To…
Identify myths & facts about suicide
Recognize the signs that someone may be contemplating suicide
Persuade the person to stay alive long enough to get help
Refer to a professional for help to get them through the crisis
Ask Questions to assess the situation
March 7, 2024 9:00am
Butler SUCCEED
150 N Main St, Butler
Register online at http://tiny.cc/BCQPR
For more information contact Amy Cirelli at 724-284-5114

Suicide Prevention and End of Life
2024-03-07 15:00 - 16:30
This live, knowledge-based webinar, for interprofessional healthcare teams, will cover suicidality at end of life. This webinar will discuss the unique issues of desire for hastened death and suicidality at end of life. Participants will learn the differences between desire for hastened death and suicidality. Contributing and risk factors for both suicidality and desire for hastened death will be discussed. Participants will discuss practical approaches to risk assessment and interventions in the context of end of life. There are many physical and psychological symptoms common at the end of life. Symptoms will vary depending on disease, treatments (past and current), and past history, as well as many other factors. Optimum treatment of symptoms involves comprehensive assessment and use of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions. Clinical teams must work collaboratively in symptom management which will improve the quality of life for Veterans and their families. This module explores several common symptoms that Veterans with life-threatening diseases and serious illness experience.

Location: VHA TRAIN

Access Links: Non-VA employees click here. VA employees click here.
Audience: Social workers, physicians, nurses, pharmacists and psychologists
Modality: Virtual conference (webinar)
Credit/hours: 1
Accreditations: ACCME, ACCME-NP, ACPE, ANCC, APA, ASWB, JAIPCE, NYSED-P, NYSED-SW
Questions?: If you require assistance, please contact the VHA TRAIN Help Desk by email at vhatrain@va.gov.

1st Annual Veterans Chow Hall in Erie, PA
2024-03-09 10:30 - 14:00
1st Annual Veterans Chow Hall
An event presented by Bodhi Garden Initiative and the Robert Irvine Foundation
Veterans Chow Hall at Voodoo Brewery
716 State St
Erie PA 16501
Saturday, March 9, 2024
11 AM – 2:00 PM EDT
Register online to attend!
Register today to attend the “1st Annual Veteran Chow Hall” at Voodoo Brewery located in the historic Boston Store in downtown Erie, PA. The event aims to raise awareness for Veteran suicide prevention and will feature a menu designed by celebrity chef Robert Irvine and prepared by U.S. Marine Veteran and chef Shane Cash.
Suicide is a public health concern and a leading cause of death in the United States. More investment in suicide prevention, education, and research will prevent the untimely deaths of thousands of Americans each year. In Pennsylvania, suicide ranks among the top 10 causes of death for ages 64 and younger. Veterans may be more susceptible to suicide due to the physical and mental stresses that are common among former and active military.
Throughout the 15-county region of Northwest Pennsylvania, Pitt’s Veteran Suicide Prevention Program collaborates with healthcare partners, community organizations, Veterans, and their families to eliminate suicide deaths. By focusing on resiliency and protective factors, the program aims to improve access to treatment and support services, increase awareness of suicide risk, and provide targeted suicide prevention activities and training opportunities. The program’s public-facing materials, resources, and events can be found at TheResilientVeteran.org
Veterans and their families are invited to attend the luncheon. You can also email Michael Shannon at Bodhi@Bodhigardeninitiative.com to register or receive additional information.

Preventing Suicide among Veterans Experiencing Homelessness
2024-03-13 14:00 - 15:00
This live, knowledge-based virtual presentation for interprofessional healthcare teams will review that suicide among Veterans experiencing or at risk for homelessness is substantially greater than rates among Veterans with no history of housing instability. To further understand the complex and unique needs of these Veterans, we will review research examining drivers of risk and protective factors. We will further offer methods of conceptualizing social determinants of health, such as housing instability, and mental health in the context of empirically-supported, holistic frameworks. We will then review clinical considerations to enhancing practice and tailoring suicide prevention care.
This program will help bridge the gap for providers working with Veterans experiencing homelessness by discussing important and novel approaches for understanding the needs of homeless Veterans as well as resources and tools that providers can access to enhance their discharge and treatment planning.
Mar 13, 2024 2:00 PM EDT – 3:00 PM EDT
Register online.

Butler County Mental Health First Aid Training
2024-03-19 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:
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)
2024-03-19 14:00 - 15:00
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:
• Tuesday, March 19th , 2024 from 2:00-3:00 PM
• Monday, April 15th , 2024 from 2:00-3:00 PM
• Friday, May 10th , 2024 from 1:00-2:00 PM

Mental Health Crisis Planning: How to Develop a Proactive Strategy
2024-03-27 19:00 - 20:30
Wednesday, March 27, 2024, from 7:00 to 8:30 pm ET
Register Now
Caregivers often find themselves hoping for the best, while preparing for the worst. When your loved one is facing a mental health crisis, they may not be able to communicate their preferences for care. For caregivers to be effective, they need to have the right resources and support. This is when having a crisis plan – which may include a Psychiatric Advance Directive (PAD) – becomes crucial.
In this webinar offered by Families for Depression Awareness, you will hear firsthand experiences of people with mental health challenges who used a Psychiatric Advance Directive to support their journey in recovery.
You will learn about the key components of a crisis plan and practical strategies for caregiver involvement in the crisis planning process. Join us for this informative webinar and gain the knowledge and tools you need to navigate mental health crises with confidence.

QPR Train the Trainer Session
2024-03-28 08:00 - 17:00
The Armstrong County Suicide Prevention Task Force will offer a QPR train the trainer session. This is the evidenced-based certified QPR instructor program that qualifies a trainer for 3 years.
Date: March 28, 8 am to 4:30 pm
Location: 120 S Grant Ave, Suite 3, Kittanning, PA 16201
Cost: $750.00 / PP
Registration deadline is March 22.
Register by calling 814-731-8335 or completing the online form.
https://forms.gle/4WK9ynbXQV8w4uMk8

Preventing Substance Use Disorders Among Military Youth
2024-03-28 14:00 - 15:30
Risk and Protective Factors Unique to Military Youth
Date: March 28, 2024Time: 2:00–3:30 p.m. ET
Learning Objectives

Understand potential risk and protective factors for substance use among military-affiliated youth
Identify national resources that are available to mitigate substance use risk among military-affiliated youth
Illustrate the importance of a trauma-informed approach in responding to the needs of military-affiliated youth

Presenter

Gregory Leskin, Ph.D., Director, National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) Military and Veteran Families, UCLA National Center for Child Traumatic Stress

Register online

Women Veterans Retreat
2024-04-05 - 2024-04-07
Women Veterans Retreat
April 5-7 2024
Pennsylvania American Legion
White Sulphur Springs Retreat Center
4500 Milligans Cove Road
Mann’s Choice, PA
Hosted by the Women Veterans Committee
Theme: Sharing Our Stories

Women Veterans have unique stories but share common ground.
Providing a time and space to build comradery and support.
Come to relax and spend time with fellow women Veterans!

Activities include:
Campfire with drums
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Ziplining
Archery
Arts and Crafts – painting, leatherwork, metal stamping
Foosball
Yoga for exercise and relaxation
Reading
Board Games or hanging out
The retreat is open to all women Veterans.
Please complete the registration form.
Contact any member of the Women Veterans Committee with questions!
Primary contacts:
Committee Chair Johna McCormick
jlomcco68@yahoo.com
910-584-0124
Vice-chair Karis Hagen
hagen.kl@gmail.com
651-246-2319

DoD Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Summit
2024-04-05 10:00 - 14:00
Friday, April 5 · 10am – 2pm EDT

DoD Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Summit
Join us for the DoD Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Summit at the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center in Carlisle, PA, USA. This in-person event (no fee) aims to raise awareness and prevent sexual assault within the military & civilian community for SAAPM. Together, we’ll hear from a military survivor, learn from panel discussions from professionals in the community, and share resources. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with experts, survivors, and advocates in the field. Let’s work towards a future free from sexual assault in our armed forces.
This event is open to all – civilian, military members, and military spouses.

Register to attend

Learn Mental Health First Aid in Kittanning, PA
2024-04-08 08:00 - 16:00
Learn Mental Health First Aid in Kittanning, PA
WHY MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID?
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adults.
The course will teach you how to apply the MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE):
• Assess for risk of suicide or harm.
• Listen nonjudgmentally.
• Give reassurance and information.
• Encourage appropriate professional help.
• Encourage self-help and other support strategies.
WHO NEEDS TO KNOW MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID
• Employers.
• Police officers.
• Hospital staff.
• First responders.
• Caring individuals.
Two dates to choose from: April 8, 2024 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. OR April 30, 2024 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: ACMH -Simulation Lab, Nolte Drive, Kittanning, PA 16201
Register now! Class limited to 16 participants. Register by emailing: ljohns@havinpa.org

Building Bridges Between Crisis Services and the Communities They Serve
2024-04-10 08:00 - 2024-04-11 17:00
The Crisis Intervention Association of Pennsylvania
Building Bridges Between Crisis Services and the Communities They Serve
April 10 & 11, 2024
Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Seven Springs, PA
**Reception featuring Scott Blasey from The Clarks**
Register online
View the complete conference guide.
Objectives
• Address special areas of interest including: trauma informed care, traumatic events, community safety and crisis skill building;
• Identify crisis intervention strategies for working with specific populations;
• Discuss methods and techniques that crisis workers can use in assessing and responding to crisis situations;
• Develop an understanding of the frustrations of those struggling to overcome the effects of mental health stigma.
Keynote Presenter:
Mandy Fauble, PhD
Dr. Fauble is a licensed clinical social worker, earning her PhD at Case Western in 2009. She has been a full time social worker since 2002 as a therapist, supervisor, program director and
agency administrator. Dr. Fauble is also an adjunct professor at Mercyhurst University and PennWest Edinboro.
The Crisis Intervention Association of Pennsylvania (CIAP) was organized in 1973. The mission of the CIAP is to promote and enhance quality crisis services for individuals, families
and communities in Pennsylvania. The CIAP will provide a forum for open communication between crisis intervention providers and other mental health professionals statewide.
The CIAP acts as an advocate by providing a unified voice, at both the state and regional levels by participating and helping to influence the development of legislation and regulations which impacts crisis intervention services. The CIAP strives to provide and promote opportunities for crisis intervention, education, training and annual conference.

Suicide Prevention Symposium
2024-04-10 08:30 - 17:00
Wednesday, April 10 2024 8:30 AM — 5:00 PM EST
Tickets available online

The program will run from 8:30 am – 5:00 pm and will include lunch. Registration will open at 8:00 am. All events will be held in the Brent Auditorium in Jefferson Alumni Hall, 1020 Locust St, Philadelphia.
SCHEDULE
8:30 – 12:00 Understanding Ethical, Medico-Legal, and Treatment Issues in Individuals At-Risk of Suicide
12:00 – 12:45 Lunch
1:00 – 2:30 Secure Firearms Storage and Suicide Prevention
2:40 – 4:45 Safety-A Planning
Understanding Ethical, Medico-Legal, and Treatment Issues in Individuals At-Risk of Suicide, Dr. Lanny Berman
This workshop offers a deep dive into clinical standards of care for patients at risk of suicide. Evidence-based challenges to long-held (and misconceived) practices in assessing suicide risk will be offered; corrective strategies will be presented and linked to risk-based treatment planning. Medico-legal issues pertinent to the assessment and treatment of suicidal patients and based on malpractice cases will be discussed. In addition, ethical issues that arise in assessing and treating patients at risk, such as recognizing acute risk in patients who deny suicide ideation, dealing with non-adherence, decisions to hospitalize, confidentiality, split treatment, tel-mental health care, and standards of competence. Strategies to minimize potential complaints and the importance of documentation will be discussed.
Dr. Berman holds degrees from the Johns Hopkins University and the Catholic University of America. With over 50 years of experience, he has held significant roles in academia and suicide prevention organizations, authored or edited 9 books and more than 175 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on suicide and suicide prevention. He currently serves as an Adjunct Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, while also contributing to suicide prevention projects internationally and offering expert testimony in legal cases involving individuals who have died by suicide.
Secure Firearms Storage and Suicide Prevention, Dr. Mike Anestis
In this presentation, Dr. Anestis will discuss how secure firearm storage could help reduce the national suicide rate. Additionally, he will discuss the roles that different members of the community, not only clinicians, can play in promoting shifts in social norms around secure firearm storage. This presentation is non-partisan and focuses on methods for empowering firearm owners to increase their own safety and that of their loved ones.
Dr. Anestis is a clinical psychologist, the Executive Director of the New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, and an Associate Professor in the School of Public Health at Rutgers. His research focuses primarily on suicide prevention, with a particular emphasis on the role of firearms in both military and civilian populations. He is the author of over 200 peer-reviewed scientific articles and a book, entitled Guns and Suicide: An American Epidemic. He has been a named investigator in over $20 million in externally funded research projects, including serving as the PI on the initial trial of Project Safe Guard, a form of lethal means counseling. In 2018, Dr. Anestis received the Edwin Shneidman Award for early career achievement in suicide research.
Overview of SAFETY-A, Dr. Lucas Zullo
SAFETY-A (previously referred to as the Family Intervention for Suicide Prevention/FISP) is an evidence-based therapeutic assessment for youth suicide prevention. It is designed to gather information on the current level of suicide risk as well as provide a brief therapeutic intervention to mitigate this risk and establish safety. SAFETY-A is a family-focused intervention, with components to be used with the youth alone, caregiver alone, and family together. An overview of SAFETY-A will be provided along with video examples demonstrating the delivery of the intervention.
Dr. Zullo is an Assistant Professor at Thomas Jefferson University and the Clinical and Fellowship Director of the David Farber ASPIRE Center. Dr. Zullo has a passion for community-partnered, equity-driven care and is committed to making high-quality, evidence-based services available to all families seeking care at the ASPIRE Center. Dr. Zullo is one of the founders and co-leaders of the Trauma-Informed Suicide Prevention and Postvention Community of Practice within the National Child Traumatic Stress Network and his research focuses on quality improvement of clinical services, with an emphasis on care for LGBTQ+ youth at risk for suicide.
CEU, APA, and LSW/LCSW/LPC/LMFT credits offered from Drexel University. CE Statements below:
APA (Psychologists) Drexel University College of Medicine, Behavioral Healthcare Education is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Drexel University College of Medicine, Behavioral Healthcare Education maintains responsibility for the program and its content. This program is being offered for up to 7 hours of continuing education.
LSW/LCSW/LPC/LMFT (PA SBSWE Licensed Social Workers in Pennsylvania) Drexel University College of Medicine is a preapproved provider of continuing education for Social Workers and Clinical Social Workers. This program is being offered for up to 7 hours of continuing education.

Suicide Grief: Reducing Suicide Risk by Supporting Suicide Loss Survivors
2024-04-10 14:00 - 16:00
Suicide Grief: Reducing Suicide Risk by Supporting Suicide Loss Survivors
April 10, 2024 • 2:00pm ET
Survivors of suicide loss are at increased risk for suicide. Mental health clinicians should be informed and equipped to address the unique characteristics of suicide grief to best support loss survivors (e.g., Veterans, their loved ones, etc.). While there has been much focus on treating other mental health conditions that contribute to suicide risk, there has been less attention given to supporting individuals experiencing acute grief or treating prolonged grief disorder. This presentation aims to describe how suicide bereavement differs from bereavement from other causes of death, describing interventions appropriate for acute grief, and presenting an introduction to evidence-informed interventions for Prolonged Grief Disorder.
Following this live lecture, participants will be able to:

Identify how supporting loss survivors is a suicide prevention strategy.
Describe how grief after suicide loss differs from grief after loss from natural causes.
Identify differences between acute grief and Prolonged Grief Disorder.
Summarize treatment options to support Suicide Loss Survivors.

Register online

INTEGRATING TRAUMA INFORMED CARE INTO SUICIDE RESPONSE (ITIC)
2024-04-15 14:00 - 15:00
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, April 15th , 2024 from 2:00-3:00 PM
• Friday, May 10th , 2024 from 1:00-2:00 PM

Intimate Partner Violence in the Military and Veteran Community
2024-04-16 12:30 - 14:00
Date: April 16, 2024Time: 12:30–2:00 p.m. ET
Register online

Join us for an informative webinar on the critical issue of intimate partner violence (IPV) within the Service members, Veterans, and their families (SMVF) community. As highlighted by the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) report, Intimate Partner Violence—A Risk Factor for Suicide Among Veterans, IPV is a significant concern for women Veterans and service members. Regardless of their rural or urban dwelling status, they face higher rates of IPV experiences than their civilian counterparts. However, IPV is not confined to women alone. It can affect anyone, irrespective of their gender or sexual orientation.

IPV is not just a risk factor for suicide, but also a gateway to a host of physical, mental, and social health problems. These include post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, substance misuse, financial difficulties, and homelessness.

In this webinar, we bring together experts from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the RAND Corporation, and VA to shed light on the implications of IPV. Attendees will gain an overview of IPV, including the latest data and research findings. We will delve into a recent study by RAND that focused on enhancing support for women Veterans.

Additionally, we will discuss federal initiatives related to IPV. Attendees will hear about the release of the first-ever U.S. National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence: Strategies for Action and SAMHSA’s related efforts. Moreover, there will be an opportunity to become familiar with VA’s IPV Assistance Program (IPVAP), including proactive measures taken by VA to assist SMVF affected by IPV.

We will explore how we can collectively support those who have been impacted by IPV. Following the presentations, we will open the floor for questions, providing you with the opportunity to engage directly with the subject-matter experts.

Join us as we strive to increase understanding of IPV and strengthen access to resources for those impacted by IPV within the SMVF community.

Learning Objectives

Explore the prevalence and impact of IPV within the SMVF community
Review the resources available for IPV intervention and support
Discover strategies to foster healing and recovery for those who have experienced IPV
Understand approaches to guide people who carry out IPV towards healthier relationship behaviors
Learn from best practices in identifying and addressing IPV
