Counseling on Access to Lethal Means Training (CALM)
2025-01-07 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-02-27 15:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York)
Virtual :: 1-hour :: Free CEUs for EMS, LSW, LCSW, LPC, LMFT (provided by UPMC)
Mental health professionals, health care providers, social service professionals, and general public community members
A virtual training on reducing access to lethal means for individuals at risk of suicide.
Reducing access to lethal means, such as firearms and medication, can determine whether a person at risk for suicide lives or dies. The CALM course focuses on how to reduce access to the methods people use to kill themselves. It is primarily designed for mental health professionals, but others who work with people at risk for suicide—such as health care providers and social service professionals—would also benefit. The curriculum covers who needs lethal means counseling and how to collaborate with individuals at risk and their families to create safer environments by reducing access to lethal means.
Learning Objectives:

Identify who needs lethal means counseling.
Collaborate with individuals at risk and their families to reduce access to lethal methods.

Register here
For questions related to the training or registration, contact us at 412-383-3926 or chirdon@pitt.edu
Funded by the CDC’s Division of Injury Prevention.

Art and Music at the Barrow
2025-01-11 18:00 - 19:00 | Barrow-Civic Theatre, 1223 Liberty St., Franklin, PA, 16323, United States
In-Person :: 1-hour :: Free Event
Join us for an evening of art and music at the historic Barrow-Civic Theatre. This family-friendly event is open to all ages and encourages creativity, connection, and mental wellness.

Enjoy guided art activities suitable for beginners and seasoned artists.
Experience live music to set the tone for an inspiring and relaxing evening.

Why It Matters:
Art and music have the power to heal and connect us, especially during challenging times. This event supports community engagement and mental well-being.
RSVP via email at Faublem2@upmc.edu or complete this online form to secure your spot.
This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $300,000 with 100% funded by HRSA/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA/HHS or the U.S. Government.

Suicide Prevention: Links to Substance Use Disorder Care (SUD)
2025-01-13 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-02-14 12:00 - 13:00
Virtual :: 1-hour :: Free CEUs for EMS, LSW, LCSW, LPC, LMFT (provided by UPMC)
Mental health professionals, health care providers, social service professionals, and general public community members
A virtual training on reducing access to lethal means for individuals at risk of suicide who have substance use concerns.
Reducing access to lethal means, such as firearms and medication, can determine whether a person at risk for suicide lives or dies. The SP/SUD course focuses on how to reduce access to the methods people use to kill themselves. It is primarily designed for mental health professionals, but others who work with people at risk for suicide—such as health care providers and social service professionals—would also benefit. The curriculum covers who needs lethal means counseling and how to collaborate with individuals at risk and their families to create safer environments by reducing access to lethal means.
Learning Objectives:

Identify who needs lethal means counseling.
Understand the intersection of substance use disorder and suicide risk.
Collaborate with individuals at risk and their families to reduce access to lethal methods.

Register here
For questions related to the training or registration, contact us at 412-383-3926 or chirdon@pitt.edu
Funded by the CDC’s Division of Injury Prevention.

Integrating Trauma Informed Care into Suicide Response (ITIC)
2025-01-14 12:00 - 13:00
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.
ITIC Training (virtual):
• Tuesday, January 14, 2025 from 12:00-1:00 PM
Free CEUs will be provided in EMS/LSW/LCSW/LPC/LMFT from UPMC.

Relaxation with Music at the Barrow
2025-01-18 18:00 - 19:00 | Barrow-Civic Theatre, 1223 Liberty St., Franklin, PA, 16323, United States
In-Person :: 1-hour :: Free Event
Unwind and recharge with an evening of relaxation and music at the Barrow-Civic Theatre. This calming event features soothing live music and mindfulness practices designed to help you de-stress and reconnect.

Perfect for individuals and families looking for a peaceful evening.
Relax in a supportive environment that fosters mental wellness.

Why It Matters:
Taking time for self-care is essential to mental health and well-being. This event is part of our commitment to fostering resilience and support within the community.
RSVP via email at Faublem2@upmc.edu or complete this online form to secure your spot.
This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $300,000 with 100% funded by HRSA/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA/HHS or the U.S. Government.

Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR)
2025-01-21 10:00 - 12:00
Virtual :: 2-hour :: Free CEUs for EMS, LSW, LCSW, LPC, LMFT (provided by UPMC)
Mental health professionals, health care providers, social service professionals, and general public community members
A virtual training on recognizing the warning signs of a suicide crisis and responding effectively.
QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) is a two-hour educational program designed to train people as “gatekeepers” to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and respond appropriately. A gatekeeper is someone who is in a position to recognize a crisis and identify when someone may be at risk of suicide. Gatekeepers can be parents, friends, teachers, coaches, ministers, doctors, nurses, supervisors, police officers, and more. The training provides practical steps to question someone about their intent, persuade them to seek help, and refer them to appropriate resources.
Note: Many QPR training sessions are followed by an optional, 1-hour Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM) training directly after the QPR session. You are encouraged to attend both trainings, but can opt for one or the other independently. Check the registration link below for availability.
Learning Objectives:

Recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis.
Effectively question someone about their desire or intent to die by suicide.
Persuade individuals to seek help and refer them to appropriate resources.

Register here
For questions related to the training or registration, contact us at 412-383-3926 or chirdon@pitt.edu
Funded by the CDC’s Division of Injury Prevention.

Drum Circle at the Barrow
2025-01-25 18:00 - 19:00

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
2025-02-06 08:00 - 2025-02-07 16:30 | Erie Center for Arts and Technology, 650 East Ave, Erie, PA, 16503
In-person :: 2-day (8:00 AM – 4:30 PM each day)
Mental health professionals, health care providers, social service professionals, and general public community members
A two-day, interactive workshop on learning and practicing suicide intervention skills.
ASIST is a two-day, highly participatory workshop where participants learn a structured suicide intervention model. The training focuses on identifying individuals with thoughts of suicide, understanding their reasons for dying and living, and developing personalized safety plans. Participants also learn how to provide active follow-up support and connect individuals with appropriate resources. The training emphasizes life promotion and self-care for caregivers.
Learning Objectives:

Recognize that caregivers and individuals at risk are affected by personal and societal attitudes about suicide.
Discuss suicide directly with someone at risk.
Identify risk alerts and create personalized safety plans.
Demonstrate the skills needed to intervene with a person at risk of suicide.
Identify available resources for individuals at risk, including themselves.
Commit to improving community resources and promoting life.

Register here
For questions related to the training or registration, e-mail Zack Cathcart.
Funded by the CDC’s Division of Injury Prevention.

Integrating Trauma Informed Care into Suicide Response (ITIC)
2025-02-14 13:00 - 14:00
Virtual :: 1-hour :: Free CEUs for EMS, LSW, LCSW, LPC, LMFT (provided by UPMC)
Health care providers, social service professionals, and general public community members
A virtual training on understanding the role of trauma in suicide risk and supporting survivors of suicide loss.
The Integrating Trauma Informed Care into Suicide Response course describes the role of trauma in both risk for suicidal behaviors and in coping with suicide loss. The curriculum covers the SAMHSA principles of trauma-informed care and provides specific trauma-informed strategies to use with individuals at risk for suicide and survivors of suicide loss. This training is primarily designed for those who work with people at risk for suicide, such as health care providers and social service professionals.
Learning Objectives:

Understand the role of trauma in suicide risk.
Learn the SAMHSA principles of trauma-informed care.
Apply trauma-informed strategies when supporting survivors of suicide loss.

Register here
For questions related to the training or registration, contact us at 412-383-3926 or chirdon@pitt.edu
Funded by the CDC’s Division of Injury Prevention.

Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR)
2025-02-27 13:00 - 15:00
Virtual :: 2-hour
This activity is approved for the following credit: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, ANCC, ASWB, and AAPA Category 1 CME.
Audience: Mental health professionals, health care providers, social service professionals, and general public community members
QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) is a two-hour educational program designed to train people as “gatekeepers” to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and respond appropriately. A gatekeeper is someone who is in a position to recognize a crisis and identify when someone may be at risk of suicide. Gatekeepers can be parents, friends, teachers, coaches, ministers, doctors, nurses, supervisors, police officers, and more. The training provides practical steps to question someone about their intent, persuade them to seek help, and refer them to appropriate resources.
Note: Many QPR training sessions are followed by an optional, 1-hour Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM) training directly after the QPR session. You are encouraged to attend both trainings, but can opt for one or the other independently. Check the registration link below for availability.
Learning Objectives:

Recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis.
Effectively question someone about their desire or intent to die by suicide.
Persuade individuals to seek help and refer them to appropriate resources.

Register here
For questions related to the training or registration, contact us at 412-383-3926 or chirdon@pitt.edu
Funded by the CDC’s Division of Injury Prevention.

Suicide Prevention: Links to Substance Use Disorder Care (SUD)
2025-03-11 09:00 - 10:00
2 hours
This activity is approved for the following credit: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, ANCC, ASWB, and AAPA Category 1 CME.
Audience
This training is appropriate for mental health professionals, health care providers, social service professionals, and general community members.
Presented by Pitt PERU and UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor.
Description
This training empowers you to become an effective “gatekeeper”—someone who can recognize when an individual may be at risk and take immediate, appropriate action. The program centers on three key interventions:

Question: Initiate a compassionate conversation to explore the individual’s thoughts and feelings about suicide.
Persuade: Encourage the person to seek and accept professional help.
Refer: Connect the individual with the proper resources and support services.

By becoming a gatekeeper, you help bridge the gap between crisis and care. Given that suicide rates—especially in rural counties of Pennsylvania—exceed national averages, every community member plays a critical role in prevention. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, healthcare provider, or community leader, QPR provides you with the knowledge and tools to make a difference.
Participants will gain a clear understanding of suicide prevention techniques, be able to identify at-risk individuals, and learn how to effectively intervene and refer individuals to appropriate resources.
Learning Objectives

Recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis
Understand the connection between suicide and substance use disorders
Learn effective gatekeeper interventions (including questioning intent, persuading help-seeking, and referring to appropriate resources)
Empower individuals to support community suicide prevention initiatives.

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

98 Octane Veteran Wellness Event
2025-03-14 08:00 - 17:00
In-Person :: Full-Day Event :: Free Admission
98 Octane is a veteran-focused and veteran-operated nonprofit dedicated to supporting 1 million Military Members, Veterans, and First Responders (MFRs) in achieving lifelong health, wellness, and resilience.
Chronic stress, poor nutrition, and a lack of structured health resources can negatively impact long-term physical and mental well-being. This event provides a strategic, research-based framework for individuals seeking sustainable improvements in overall health and performance.
Key Components:

Nutrition & Wellness Education: Evidence-based dietary strategies to support optimal physical and cognitive function.
Hands-on Cooking Workshops: Learn practical meal preparation techniques that align with high-performance nutrition goals.
Personalized Wellness Planning: Attendees receive the 98 Octane Wellness Manual, offering individualized roadmaps to success.
Fitness & Functional Movement: Interactive sessions focusing on strength, mobility, and endurance, tailored to different fitness levels.
Long-Term Support: A full year of continued access to the 98 Octane wellness community and mobile application.
Recognition & Achievement: Participants will earn a Penn State University certificate upon successful completion of the program.

Featured Speaker:
Join us for an inspiring session with Rocky Bleier, a Vietnam War veteran and four-time Super Bowl champion. His journey from life-threatening injury to elite athletic achievement highlights the power of perseverance, rehabilitation, and structured wellness strategies.

Event Schedule:

08:00 AM: Registration & Check-In
09:00 AM – 05:00 PM: Rotating sessions, including expert-led panels, interactive workshops, and fitness challenges.

Location: Franco Harris Pittsburgh Center at Penn State, 7507 Bedford Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 75279
Registration & Additional Information:
To register, email info@98octane.com or scan the QR code.

Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR)
2025-03-20 09:00 - 11:00, 2025-05-29 09:00 - 11:00

Counseling on Access to Lethal Means Training (CALM)
2025-03-20 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-05-29 11:00 - 12:00
1 hour
This activity is approved for the following credit: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, ANCC, ASWB, and AAPA Category 1 CME.
Audience
This training is appropriate for mental health professionals, health care providers, social service professionals, and general public community members.
Presented by Pitt PERU and UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor.
Description
Reducing access to lethal means (e.g., firearms and medications) is a proven strategy that can determine whether a person at risk for suicide lives or dies. The CALM (Counseling on Access to Lethal Means) course focuses on providing participants with the tools and knowledge to reduce access to lethal methods. Designed primarily for mental health professionals, this one‑hour virtual training is also beneficial for health care providers, social service professionals, and anyone working with individuals at risk for suicide. The curriculum covers how to identify those who may benefit from lethal means counseling and offers practical guidance on collaborating with individuals and their families to create safer environments.
Participants will gain practical strategies to reduce access to lethal means, improve their ability to identify at‑risk individuals, and learn how to collaborate with families and communities to enhance safety.
Learning Objectives

Identify who needs lethal means counseling
Collaborate with individuals at risk and their families to reduce access to lethal methods.

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

Integrating Trauma Informed Care into Suicide Response (ITIC)
2025-03-26 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-05-15 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-06-18 13:00 - 14:00
1 hour
This activity is approved for the following credit: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, ANCC, ASWB, and AAPA Category 1 CME.
Audience
This training is appropriate for mental health professionals, health care providers, social service professionals, and general public community members.
Presented by Pitt PERU and UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor.
Description
The Integrating Trauma Informed Care into Suicide Response course describes the role of trauma in both risk for suicidal behaviors and in coping with suicide loss. The curriculum covers the SAMHSA principles of trauma-informed care and provides specific trauma-informed strategies to use with individuals at risk for suicide and survivors of suicide loss.
Participants will understand the role of trauma in suicide risk and coping with loss, be able to apply trauma-informed care principles, and use specific strategies to support survivors of suicide loss.
Learning Objectives

Understand the role of trauma in suicide risk
Learn the SAMHSA principles of trauma-informed care
Apply trauma-informed strategies when supporting survivors of suicide loss.

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

Getting Beyond "Are You Safe?"
2025-04-08 11:30 - 13:30 | William Pitt Union, 3959 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, 15260, United States
In-Person :: 2-hour :: Free Event
Local community and health providers are encouraged to join Prevention at Pitt and PAAR on April 8th from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM in the William Pitt Union Ballroom for a specialized training session designed to strengthen your skills in addressing sexual misconduct disclosures from patients and clients. This training is ideal for healthcare professionals, students, and providers who regularly interact with veterans and others affected by sexual violence.
At this interactive event, you’ll learn practical methods to sensitively and effectively:

Ask appropriate questions about sexual violence.
Respond supportively and effectively to disclosures.
Connect individuals to essential resources.
Promote and practice healthy self-care.

Lunch will be provided, featuring our special “Consent is FRIES” French fry bar, reminding everyone that consent must be Freely-given, Reversible, Informed, Enthusiastic, and Specific!
Equip yourself with the tools to go beyond basic safety checks and provide meaningful, supportive care to veterans and all those you serve. This event supports efforts to reduce veteran deaths by suicide by improving provider responses and patient experiences.
Register today: Follow this link
Event sponsored by Prevention at Pitt and Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PAAR).

Suicide Prevention: Links to Substance Use Disorder Care (SUD)
2025-04-10 12:00 - 13:00
1 hour
This activity is approved for the following credit: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, ANCC, ASWB, and AAPA Category 1 CME.
Audience
This training is appropriate for mental health professionals, health care providers, social service professionals, and general public community members.
Presented by Pitt PERU and UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor.
Description
Substance misuse is a major risk factor for suicide. The SP/SUD course equips participants with the skills to recognize early warning signs of both substance use disorders and suicide, while exploring the complex interplay between the two. This training emphasizes how stigma can impact both those seeking help and those providing support. Although open to all, the course is particularly beneficial for mental health professionals, healthcare providers, and social service professionals. The curriculum covers essential facts, key warning signs, protective factors, and strategies to address stigma, along with proactive care approaches and methods to reduce access to lethal means such as firearms and medications.”
Learning Objectives

Identify and describe the key warning signs and risk factors associated with both substance use disorders and suicide.
Analyze the interactions between substance misuse and suicide.
Describe how stigma affects both help-seeking and support-providing behaviors.
Implement proactive intervention strategies—such as reducing access to lethal means—to improve outcomes for at‑risk individuals.

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

Integrating Trauma Informed Care into Suicide Response (ITIC)
2025-04-17 10:00 - 11:00
1 hour
This activity is approved for the following credit: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, ANCC, ASWB, and AAPA Category 1 CME.
Audience
This training is appropriate for mental health professionals, health care providers, social service professionals, and general public community members.
Presented by Pitt PERU and UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor.
Description
The Integrating Trauma Informed Care into Suicide Response course describes the role of trauma in both risk for suicidal behaviors and in coping with suicide loss. The curriculum covers the SAMHSA principles of trauma-informed care and provides specific trauma-informed strategies to use with individuals at risk for suicide and survivors of suicide loss.
Participants will understand the role of trauma in suicide risk and coping with loss, be able to apply trauma-informed care principles, and use specific strategies to support survivors of suicide loss.
Learning Objectives

Understand the role of trauma in suicide risk
Learn the SAMHSA principles of trauma-informed care
Apply trauma-informed strategies when supporting survivors of suicide loss.

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

Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR)
2025-04-23 10:00 - 12:00
2 hours
This activity is approved for the following credit: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, ANCC, ASWB, and AAPA Category 1 CME.
Audience
This training is appropriate for mental health professionals, health care providers, social service professionals, and general community members.
Presented by Pitt PERU and UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor.
Description
This training empowers you to become an effective “gatekeeper”—someone who can recognize when an individual may be at risk and take immediate, appropriate action. The program centers on three key interventions:

Question: Initiate a compassionate conversation to explore the individual’s thoughts and feelings about suicide.
Persuade: Encourage the person to seek and accept professional help.
Refer: Connect the individual with the proper resources and support services.

By becoming a gatekeeper, you help bridge the gap between crisis and care. Given that suicide rates—especially in rural counties of Pennsylvania—exceed national averages, every community member plays a critical role in prevention. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, healthcare provider, or community leader, QPR provides you with the knowledge and tools to make a difference.
Participants will gain a clear understanding of suicide prevention techniques, be able to identify at-risk individuals, and learn how to effectively intervene and refer individuals to appropriate resources.
Learning Objectives

Recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis
Understand the connection between suicide and substance use disorders
Learn effective gatekeeper interventions (including questioning intent, persuading help-seeking, and referring to appropriate resources)
Empower individuals to support community suicide prevention initiatives.

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

Counseling on Access to Lethal Means Training (CALM)
2025-04-23 12:00 - 13:00
1 hour
This activity is approved for the following credit: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, ANCC, ASWB, and AAPA Category 1 CME.
Audience
This training is appropriate for mental health professionals, health care providers, social service professionals, and general public community members.
Presented by Pitt PERU and UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor.
Description
Reducing access to lethal means (e.g., firearms and medications) is a proven strategy that can determine whether a person at risk for suicide lives or dies. The CALM (Counseling on Access to Lethal Means) course focuses on providing participants with the tools and knowledge to reduce access to lethal methods. Designed primarily for mental health professionals, this one‑hour virtual training is also beneficial for health care providers, social service professionals, and anyone working with individuals at risk for suicide. The curriculum covers how to identify those who may benefit from lethal means counseling and offers practical guidance on collaborating with individuals and their families to create safer environments.
Participants will gain practical strategies to reduce access to lethal means, improve their ability to identify at‑risk individuals, and learn how to collaborate with families and communities to enhance safety.
Learning Objectives

Identify who needs lethal means counseling
Collaborate with individuals at risk and their families to reduce access to lethal methods.

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

Join Team USO at the Pittsburgh Marathon!
2025-05-04
Make your miles matter by running with Team USO in the 2025 Pittsburgh Marathon! Join Team USO to guarantee your spot at a discounted entry fee while helping to raise critical support for active-duty service members, Veterans, and their families.
As a Team USO participant, you’ll receive exclusive perks, including:

A Team USO singlet to show your pride.
Mentorship from past Team USO Boston Marathon runners.
A chance to connect with a community of runners committed to making a difference.

Whether you’re tackling the half marathon, full marathon, relay, or 4-mile event, you’ll be part of something bigger than just crossing the finish line. Limited spots are available!
What’s it about?
Supporting Team USO isn’t just about running; it’s about helping to bridge the gap for those who serve. Funds raised through this event provide resources and programs that foster connection, resilience, and mental wellness for service members and their families. While this event is not affiliated with the Department of Defense, your participation directly supports the USO’s mission of creating a home away from home for those who sacrifice so much.
How to Join:
Interested in participating? Apply now by visiting our website and completing the application form by Friday, January 17, 2025.
bit.ly/PittMarathon2025
More information: https://pa.uso.org
Run with purpose, run for those who serve, and run with Team USO!

Suicide Prevention: Links to Substance Use Disorder Care (SUD)
2025-05-08 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-06-11 12:00 - 13:00
1 hour
This activity is approved for the following credit: ACPE CPE, AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, ANCC, ASWB, ACPE and AAPA Category 1 CME.
Audience
This training is appropriate for mental health professionals, health care providers, social service professionals, and general public community members.
Presented by Pitt PERU and UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor.
Description
Substance misuse is a major risk factor for suicide. The SP/SUD course equips participants with the skills to recognize early warning signs of both substance use disorders and suicide, while exploring the complex interplay between the two. This training emphasizes how stigma can impact both those seeking help and those providing support. Although open to all, the course is particularly beneficial for mental health professionals, healthcare providers, and social service professionals. The curriculum covers essential facts, key warning signs, protective factors, and strategies to address stigma, along with proactive care approaches and methods to reduce access to lethal means such as firearms and medications.”
Learning Objectives

Identify and describe the key warning signs and risk factors associated with both substance use disorders and suicide.
Analyze the interactions between substance misuse and suicide.
Describe how stigma affects both help-seeking and support-providing behaviors.
Implement proactive intervention strategies—such as reducing access to lethal means—to improve outcomes for at‑risk individuals.

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

Gun Storage Check Week: A Moment to Support Veterans
2025-06-01 00:00 - 2025-06-07 23:59
June 1–7, 2025 is Gun Storage Check Week, a national initiative encouraging all gun owners to review how they store firearms. For Veterans, who are more likely to own firearms and face increased risk of death by suicide, safe storage is especially important.
According to the 2024 VA Suicide Prevention Report, firearms were used in 73.5% of Veteran deaths by suicide in 2022, compared to 52.2% among non-Veterans. Most attempts to die by suicide using a firearm are fatal, leaving no time for rescue. But small actions, like using a lock, can introduce lifesaving delays that allow for second thoughts or intervention.
Safe Storage Options

Cable Locks: Affordable and easy to use; can prevent unintentional use and provide quick deterrence in a crisis.
Lock Boxes: Portable and discreet; some use keys, codes, or biometrics for added security.
Full-Size Safes: Secure multiple firearms and protect against theft or unauthorized access.
Offsite Storage: A helpful short-term option during mental health challenges or transitions (follow local laws).

Safe storage means keeping firearms unloaded, locked, and stored separately from ammunition. These steps reduce the risk of suicide, accidents, and theft, especially in households with children, teens, or individuals in crisis.
How You Can Help

Normalize conversations about storage with Veterans and family members.
Share free resources from NSSF, Project ChildSafe, and Gun Storage Check.
Make firearm storage checks part of annual safety routines—like replacing smoke alarm batteries.

Together, communities can help prevent Veteran deaths by suicide, one storage conversation at a time.
