The Northwest Pennsylvania (NW PA) Veteran Suicide Prevention Program operates on a three-pronged approach involving healthcare providers, community organizations, and Veterans and their families in the 15 counties of NW PA. As many Veterans ages 60+ live within our 15-county region, we are sharing information about resources specifically developed for older adults and their caregivers. Older Veterans often face unique health care challenges not shared by their younger counterparts. In addition, older Veterans living in rural communities such as Northwest Pennsylvania, may experience longer travel times to medical centers, fewer local specialists and limited access to broadband internet. Our Community Toolkit, which is free to download and share, also provides county-specific information that may be useful to Veterans and their families.
If you have any questions or would like to speak with someone about publicizing the NW PA Veteran Suicide Prevention Program in your community, please reach out to us.
Read time: 10 minutes
Download the Behavioral Health Resource Inventory for additional links and resources
Older Veteran Behavioral Health Resource Inventory
This 22-page inventory provides information on resources to help health and social service professionals support older Veterans and other older adults who have or are at risk for behavioral health conditions. This inventory provides an overview of programs and publications on topics including post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, smoking cessation, pain management, suicide prevention, long-term services and supports, and much more. In addition to using this inventory, health and social service professionals can connect with the nationwide network of state and local aging and disability agencies, known as the No Wrong Door (NWD) System (nwd.acl.gov/). Below are select suicide prevention resources contained within the Behavioral Health Resource Inventory.
Suicide Prevention Resources for Veterans, Their Families, and Clinicians
Veterans Crisis Line – The Veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring VA responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, text messaging service, or online chat. Veterans and their loved ones can call 988 and then Press 1, send a text message to 838255, or chat online to receive confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. In addition, the Veterans Crisis Line website hosts a tool for locating nearby resources and assistance.
https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/chat/
VA S.A.V.E Training – VA S.A.V.E. Training is a free, brief online or in-person course that will help you act with care and compassion if you come across a Veteran who is in crisis or having thoughts of suicide.
https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/va-save
Don’t Wait. Reach Out. – This website has resources for Veterans, Service members, and those who want to support them. We can all play a role in preventing suicide, but many people don’t know what they can do to support the Veteran or Service member in their life who is going through a difficult time. This website reinforces the fact that a simple act of kindness can help someone to feel less alone. Your actions could help save a life.
https://www.va.gov/REACH/default.asp
Make the Connection: Suicide – Make the Connection is a VA online resource designed to connect Veterans, their family members and friends, and other supporters with information, resources, and solutions to issues affecting their lives. On the website, visitors can watch hundreds of Veterans share their stories of strength and recovery, find relevant information, and locate nearby resources. Searching by era of military service, you can learn more about suicide prevention, treatment options, self-help tools, and recovery resources.
https://maketheconnection.net/conditions/suicide
Safety Plan Mobile App – The Safety Plan app is for anyone who has experienced thoughts about suicide or self-harm. The app helps you make a safety plan, share your safety plan with loved ones, and use tools to manage distress.
https://mobile.va.gov/appstore
Lethal Means Safety and Secure Firearm Storage – Lethal means are objects like guns, medications, alcohol, opioids or other substances, ropes, cords, or sharp objects that can be used during a suicidal crisis. If a Veteran is in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, these items can become deadly when they are easily accessible.
Reducing Firearm and Other Household Safety Risks for Veterans and Their Families – This brochure provides Veterans and their loved ones with clear guidance on how to safely store firearms and medications when they are not in use.
https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/docs/Lethal-Means-Brochure-508.pdf
Looking to Get Involved?
Whether you identify as a healthcare provider, community organization, or Veteran, there are several opportunities through the NW PA Veteran Suicide Prevention Program and PERU to connect to resources, participate in educational training, and promote harm reduction strategies. We are actively recruiting healthcare and community partners to work with us in meeting our goals and objectives. To learn more, visit the program website at theresilientveteran.org.
Need Help? Know Someone Who Does? Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or use the online Lifeline Crisis Chat. Both are free and confidential. You’ll be connected to a skilled, trained counselor in your area.