The Resilient Veteran

2026 PennWest Church Mental Health Summit - Clarion County
2026-03-19 08:30 - 15:30 (America/New_York)
2026 PennWest Church Mental Health Summit — Clarion County
In-Person :: $20 per person
The 2026 PennWest Church Mental Health Summit brings together pastors, church leaders, mental health professionals, and community partners for a full day of sessions, networking, and collaboration focused on the intersection of faith and mental health support.
The summit is appropriate for pastors and ministry leaders, care ministry teams and volunteers, mental health professionals, community organizations, and anyone engaged in faith-based mental health support.
Date: Thursday, March 19, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM EST (Registration opens at 8:30 AM; Welcome session begins at 9:00 AM)
Cost: $20 per person. Registration includes access to all sessions, lunch, and the community exhibit hall.
Location: Zion Church, 114 Zion Road, Clarion, PA 16214
Hosted by: Hope Made Strong and Clarion Center, in partnership with the Global Church Mental Health Summit
What to Expect:

Five keynote sessions on the church’s role in mental health and community collaboration
Table discussions and a panel Q&A
Community exhibit hall with local mental health agencies and service providers
Networking opportunities throughout the day
Lunch included

Register: Register at churchmentalhealthsummit.com
This event is shared as a courtesy for Veterans and their families who may find it helpful. Event details are provided by the host organization and are subject to change.

If you or someone you know is in crisis:
Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988 and press 1 | Text 838255 | Chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

Suicide Prevention: Links to Substance Use Disorder Care (SUD)
2026-03-26 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-05-12 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-07-15 12:00 - 13:00
Training Details
Duration1 hour
CostFree
ApprovalsThis activity is approved for the following credit: ACPE CPE, AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, ANCC, ASWB, ACPE and AAPA Category 1 CME.
Quantity1 hour CE
ProviderPitt PERU and UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor
Audience
Open to all community members, Veterans and their families, and practitioners across healthcare, behavioral health, social services, education, first response, and peer support.
Description
This session connects substance use and suicide risk in clear, actionable ways. Participants will review key facts, treatment gaps, including some Veteran-specific considerations, then focus on “what to do next.” Learn to spot early warning signs, reduce stigma in conversation and care, and plan for safety that fits a person’s readiness and resources. We cover warm referral to treatment, coordination with recovery supports, and when to consider lethal-means steps within a broader safety plan. Participants leave with practical tools to act early, improve continuity of care, and support recovery in community and clinical settings.
OutcomesParticipants identify early risk, use stigma-reducing language, plan for safety, and complete warm referrals that connect people to timely SUD and mental health care.
Learning Objectives

Describe early warning signs, risk factors, and protective factors across settings.
Recall connections between SUD prevalence, treatment gaps, and links to suicide risk.
Demonstrate brief, stigma-reducing conversations that invite help-seeking.
Apply a safety plan that may include lethal-means steps where indicated.
Coordinate warm referrals and follow-up with treatment and recovery supports.

Register Now
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)
2026-03-30 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-04-21 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-05-19 12:00 - 13:00
Training Details
Duration1 hour
CostFree
ApprovalsThis activity is approved for the following credit: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, ANCC, ASWB, and AAPA Category 1 CME.
Quantity1 hour CE
ProviderPitt PERU and UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor
Audience
Open to all community members, Veterans and their families, and practitioners across healthcare, behavioral health, social services, education, first response, and peer support.
Description
This training helps attendees understand how trauma can shape suicide risk, coping, and engagement before, during, and after a crisis. Using SAMHSA’s trauma-informed principles, we translate concepts into practical steps that create safety, trust, collaboration, empowerment, and cultural humility. You will learn ways to reduce re-traumatization, strengthen connection, and support recovery for Veterans and civilians across settings. The session links principles to actions you can take today, including language, environment tips, and small process changes that improve care and community support. Participants leave with strategies that fit both professional practice and everyday life.
Outcomes
Participants connect trauma-informed principles to suicide prevention, reduce re-traumatization in conversations and settings, and improve engagement and follow-through after attempts or losses.
Learning Objectives

Explain how trauma exposure and responses can influence suicide risk and help-seeking.
Apply SAMHSA trauma-informed principles to real scenarios.
Demonstrate language and environmental adjustments that increase psychological safety.
Integrate peer, family, and cultural strengths into safety and recovery plans.
Evaluate interactions for potential triggers and adapt approach accordingly.

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

Night at the Movies - Clarion County
2026-03-31 18:00 - 20:00
In-Person :: Free
The Clarion County Coalition for Suicide Prevention (CCCSP) is hosting a community movie night open to everyone. Mental health resource tables will be available on-site with local support information.
Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM EST
Location: Golden Ticket Cinemas Clarion, 22631 PA-68, Suite #200, Clarion, PA 16214
Hosted by: Clarion County Coalition for Suicide Prevention
What to Expect:

Complimentary popcorn
Mental health resource tables with local support information

More Information: Contact Susan LaBruzzo at susan.labruzzo@uhsinc.com
Please note: Online ticket purchases are not eligible for reimbursement.
This event is shared as a courtesy for Veterans and their families who may find it helpful. Event details are provided by the host organization and are subject to change.

Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR)
2026-04-02 12:00 - 14:00, 2026-05-07 13:00 - 15:00
Training Details
Duration2 hours
CostFree
ApprovalsThis activity is approved for the following credit: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, ANCC, ASWB, and AAPA Category 1 CME.
Quantity2 hours CE
ProviderPitt PERU and UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor
Audience
Open to all community members, Veterans and their families, and practitioners across healthcare, behavioral health, social services, education, first response, and peer support.
Description
Note: Consider registering for the CALM training offered immediately after this session, as it complements QPR.
QPR teaches practical skills that help you become an effective “gatekeeper” who notices warning signs, starts a caring conversation, and connects someone to help. You will learn the three core actions:

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.

Concepts are reinforced with clear examples that fit daily life at home, in clinics, and in community settings. The training aligns with best practices, including asking directly about suicide, using non-stigmatizing language, and linking to 988 and local resources. Because suicide affects many groups, including Veterans and their families, QPR builds confidence to act early, reduce risk, and support safety while professional care is arranged.
OutcomesParticipants grow comfortable asking directly about suicide, increase accuracy recognizing clues and warning signs, and improve the speed and quality of referrals to crisis and community care, including 988 and local providers.
Learning Objectives

Recognize common verbal, behavioral, and situational warning signs of suicide
Differentiate helpful from unhelpful language when asking about suicide.
Demonstrate the QPR steps to encourage help-seeking and hope.
Apply a brief referral plan that links to 988 and local resources.
Collaborate with family, peers, and providers to support short-term safety.

Register Now
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)
2026-04-02 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-05-07 15:00 - 16:00
Training Details
Duration1 hour
CostFree
ApprovalsThis activity is approved for the following credit: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, ANCC, ASWB, and AAPA Category 1 CME.
Quantity1 hour CE
ProviderPitt PERU and UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor
Audience
Open to all community members, Veterans and their families, and practitioners across healthcare, behavioral health, social services, education, first response, and peer support.
Description
Note: Consider registering for the QPR training offered immediately before this session, as it complements CALM.
CALM teaches respectful, practical ways to reduce access to lethal means, especially firearms and medications, during periods of suicide risk. The session covers when lethal-means counseling is indicated, how to introduce the topic, and how to plan safe storage options that fit a person’s values and daily reality.
Participants practice language for collaborative problem-solving and learn how to coordinate with families and care teams. The goal is simple, safer environments for Veterans and all community members while risk is elevated, with clear next steps for follow-up and return to usual storage when the crisis has passed. Proposed firearm safety solutions respect individuals’ dignity and their second amendment rights.

OutcomesParticipants gain confidence initiating lethal-means conversations, identify feasible storage options, and coordinate follow-up with families and care teams to sustain safety.
Learning Objectives

Identify when lethal-means counseling is indicated.
Explain storage options for firearms and medications during elevated risk.
Demonstrate respectful language that aligns with personal values and legal considerations.
Apply a short safety plan that includes storage, monitoring, and follow-up.
Collaborate with families and providers to review and adjust the plan over time.

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

University of Pittsburgh Out of the Darkness Campus Walk
2026-04-11 10:00 - 13:00
In-Person :: Allegheny County :: Featured Partner Event
Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026
Location: William Pitt Union Plaza, Pittsburgh, PA
Check-In: 10:00 AM
Walk Starts: 11:00 AM
The Northwest Pennsylvania Veteran Suicide Prevention Program is pleased to help raise awareness of this important community event. We are not the creators or sponsors, but we support efforts like this that bring people together to prevent suicide and support mental health.
Join the Out of the Darkness Campus Walk at the University of Pittsburgh to raise awareness for suicide prevention and support those affected by mental health struggles. The Out of the Darkness Campus Walks are the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s (AFSP) signature student fundraising series. Every step brings hope, and every dollar raised supports AFSP’s mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.
Fundraising Perks:

Raise $100 or more by April 18, 2026, and receive the official Out of the Darkness Walk t-shirt at the event.
Raise $250 or more and earn an additional gift after the event.

Honor Beads: Complimentary Honor Beads will be available on-site to show your connection to the cause.
Volunteer: Interested in volunteering on Walk Day? Contact Jamie Zelazny at jmz22@pitt.edu or 412-624-9647 for details.
Registration is free and open to all.
Register today and find more details at AFSP’s official event page.
Every step brings hope. Thank you for supporting suicide prevention in Pittsburgh!
This event is shared as a courtesy for Veterans and their families who may find it helpful. Event details are provided by the host organization and are subject to change.

Suicide Prevention: Links to Substance Use Disorder Care (SUD)
2026-04-15 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-06-01 11:00 - 12:00
Training Details
Duration1 hour
CostFree
ApprovalsThis activity is approved for the following credit: ACPE CPE, AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, ANCC, ASWB, ACPE and AAPA Category 1 CME.
Quantity1 hour CE
ProviderPitt PERU and UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor
Audience
Open to all community members, Veterans and their families, and practitioners across healthcare, behavioral health, social services, education, first response, and peer support.
Description
This session connects substance use and suicide risk in clear, actionable ways. Participants will review key facts, treatment gaps, including some Veteran-specific considerations, then focus on “what to do next.” Learn to spot early warning signs, reduce stigma in conversation and care, and plan for safety that fits a person’s readiness and resources. We cover warm referral to treatment, coordination with recovery supports, and when to consider lethal-means steps within a broader safety plan. Participants leave with practical tools to act early, improve continuity of care, and support recovery in community and clinical settings.
Outcomes
Participants identify early risk, use stigma-reducing language, plan for safety, and complete warm referrals that connect people to timely SUD and mental health care.
Learning Objectives

Describe early warning signs, risk factors, and protective factors across settings.
Recall connections between SUD prevalence, treatment gaps, and links to suicide risk.
Demonstrate brief, stigma-reducing conversations that invite help-seeking.
Apply a safety plan that may include lethal-means steps where indicated.
Coordinate warm referrals and follow-up with treatment and recovery supports.

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

Military Share Food Distribution - Clearfield County
2026-05-13 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-07-08 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-09-09 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-11-11 10:30 - 12:00
In-Person :: Recurring :: Free Resource
Recurring food distribution for income-qualifying military Veterans and their families with at least one household member who has served in the military. This distribution is held on the 2nd Wednesday of odd-numbered months.
2026 dates:
March 11, 2026
May 13, 2026
July 8, 2026
September 9, 2026
November 11, 2026
Important Arrival Information:
Please do not arrive before 10:30 AM. This is a drive-thru distribution, first come, first served. Participants must remain in their vehicle at all times.
What to Bring:
Please bring a valid form of photo ID.
Location:
(Note, the original flyer did not indicate this location changes month to month, so please check)
Dubois Alliance Church
1004 S Main St
DuBois, PA 15801
Hosted by:
Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania
in collaboration with
Clearfield Jefferson Veteran Suicide Prevention Initiative
Common Items:
While not all-inclusive, a list of commonly included items is below:

Cheese
Eggs
Fresh Milk
100% Fruit Juice
Cereal
Crackers
Granola Bars
Pasta
Peanut Butter
Soups
Apples
Broccoli
Carrots
Corn
Lettuce
Onions
Oranges
Potatoes
Strawberries
Tomatoes
Ground Beef
Ground Turkey
Chicken Quarters
Canned Chicken
Canned Tuna

More Information:
Food Help Line: 814-459-3663 ext. 117
This event is shared as a courtesy for Veterans and their families who may find it helpful. Event details are provided by the host organization and are subject to change.

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
2026-05-21 08:00 - 2026-05-22 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)
This two-day, interactive workshop on learning and practicing suicide intervention skills is appropriate for mental health professionals, health care providers, social service professionals, and general public community members.
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.
Time
Please arrive with adequate time to park and arrive to the session on time.
Parking Details
Free, on-street parking is available on most streets around the Center. Note that most “no parking” signs in the area allow parking on the days of this training because parking is only disallowed on “even days Nov to March” and “Mondays Apr to Oct”, both of which do not apply to the dates of this training. If additional parking options are
Lunch
Though a break is provided for lunch, attendees should plan on bringing a lunch or purchasing one at local restaurants.
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 Now
For questions related to the training or registration, e-mail Chris Chirdon.
Funded by the CDC’s Division of Injury Prevention.

Integrating Trauma Informed Care into Suicide Response (ITIC)
2026-06-05 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-07-21 12:00 - 13:00
Training Details
Duration1 hour
CostFree
ApprovalsThis activity is approved for the following credit: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, ANCC, APA, ASWB, and AAPA Category 1 CME.
Quantity1 hour CE
ProviderPitt PERU and UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor
Audience
Open to all community members, Veterans and their families, and practitioners across healthcare, behavioral health, social services, education, first response, and peer support.
Description
This training helps attendees understand how trauma can shape suicide risk, coping, and engagement before, during, and after a crisis. Using SAMHSA’s trauma-informed principles, we translate concepts into practical steps that create safety, trust, collaboration, empowerment, and cultural humility. You will learn ways to reduce re-traumatization, strengthen connection, and support recovery for Veterans and civilians across settings. The session links principles to actions you can take today, including language, environment tips, and small process changes that improve care and community support. Participants leave with strategies that fit both professional practice and everyday life.
Outcomes
Participants connect trauma-informed principles to suicide prevention, reduce re-traumatization in conversations and settings, and improve engagement and follow-through after attempts or losses.
Learning Objectives

Explain how trauma exposure and responses can influence suicide risk and help-seeking.
Apply SAMHSA trauma-informed principles to real scenarios.
Demonstrate language and environmental adjustments that increase psychological safety.
Integrate peer, family, and cultural strengths into safety and recovery plans.
Evaluate interactions for potential triggers and adapt approach accordingly.

Register Now
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)
2026-06-09 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-14 11:00 - 13:00
Training Details
Duration2 hours
CostFree
ApprovalsThis activity is approved for the following credit: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, ANCC, APA, ASWB, and AAPA Category 1 CME.
Quantity2 hours CE
ProviderPitt PERU and UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor
Audience
Open to all community members, Veterans and their families, and practitioners across healthcare, behavioral health, social services, education, first response, and peer support.
Description
Note: Consider registering for the CALM training offered immediately after this session, as it complements QPR.
QPR teaches practical skills that help you become an effective “gatekeeper” who notices warning signs, starts a caring conversation, and connects someone to help. You will learn the three core actions:

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.

Concepts are reinforced with clear examples that fit daily life at home, in clinics, and in community settings. The training aligns with best practices, including asking directly about suicide, using non-stigmatizing language, and linking to 988 and local resources. Because suicide affects many groups, including Veterans and their families, QPR builds confidence to act early, reduce risk, and support safety while professional care is arranged.
Outcomes
Participants grow comfortable asking directly about suicide, increase accuracy recognizing clues and warning signs, and improve the speed and quality of referrals to crisis and community care, including 988 and local providers.
Learning Objectives

Recognize common verbal, behavioral, and situational warning signs of suicide
Differentiate helpful from unhelpful language when asking about suicide.
Demonstrate the QPR steps to encourage help-seeking and hope.
Apply a brief referral plan that links to 988 and local resources.
Collaborate with family, peers, and providers to support short-term safety.

Register Now
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)
2026-06-09 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-07-14 13:00 - 14:00
Training Details
Duration1 hour
CostFree
ApprovalsThis activity is approved for the following credit: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, ANCC, APA, ASWB, and AAPA Category 1 CME.
Quantity1 hour CE
ProviderPitt PERU and UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor
Audience
Open to all community members, Veterans and their families, and practitioners across healthcare, behavioral health, social services, education, first response, and peer support.
Description
Note: Consider registering for the QPR training offered immediately before this session, as it complements CALM.
CALM teaches respectful, practical ways to reduce access to lethal means, especially firearms and medications, during periods of suicide risk. The session covers when lethal-means counseling is indicated, how to introduce the topic, and how to plan safe storage options that fit a person’s values and daily reality.
Participants practice language for collaborative problem-solving and learn how to coordinate with families and care teams. The goal is simple, safer environments for Veterans and all community members while risk is elevated, with clear next steps for follow-up and return to usual storage when the crisis has passed. Proposed firearm safety solutions respect individuals’ dignity and their second amendment rights.
Outcomes
Participants gain confidence initiating lethal-means conversations, identify feasible storage options, and coordinate follow-up with families and care teams to sustain safety.
Learning Objectives

Identify when lethal-means counseling is indicated.
Explain storage options for firearms and medications during elevated risk.
Demonstrate respectful language that aligns with personal values and legal considerations.
Apply a short safety plan that includes storage, monitoring, and follow-up.
Collaborate with families and providers to review and adjust the plan over time.

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