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 VA’s 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.
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Older Veterans: Access Community Resources
Did you know? Almost half of all Veterans are age 65 or older. VA provides a range of specialized services to help older Veterans cope with complex mental health conditions later in life. VA provides a range of mental health programs and resources that focus on the needs of older Veterans.
VA National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
Check out many resources that can help older Veterans stay healthy and active, including tips for sleeping well, the MOVE! Weight Management Program, ways to limit alcohol use, the Telephone Lifestyle Coaching program, and more.
VA Geriatrics and Extended Care Services (GEC)
VA GEC is committed to improving the health and well-being of Veterans who have multiple chronic conditions or a disability associated with chronic disease, aging, or injury. The GEC website has information about home- and community-based services, care in residential settings and nursing homes, treatment for memory loss and brain health, assistance in making decisions about care and advance care planning, and much more. Mental health services are integrated into many GEC programs.
VA Caregiver Support Program
Family members and other caregivers play an important role in many Veterans’ health and well-being. The Caregiver Support Program offers training, educational resources, and numerous tools to help caregivers.
VA Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Services
Find information about a variety of medical rehabilitation, prosthetic, and sensory aid services that promote health, independence, and quality of life for Veterans with disabilities.
Make the Connection – Retirement and Aging
For Veterans who have difficulty adjusting to retirement and aging, connecting with counseling and therapy can ease this transition. Listen to Veterans talk about how they found ways to live well as they left their jobs and started their next phase of life. (See other stories at MakeTheConnection.net.)
Aging Veterans and Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms
For many Veterans, memories of wartime experiences are still upsetting long after facing combat. If you are an older Veteran, your military experience can still affect your life today. Find information at the National Center for PTSD, including a booklet, “Understanding PTSD and Aging,” in English and en español.
Start the Conversation: Aging Veterans Suicide Prevention Resources
This website offers videos to help family members and friends of aging Veterans start conversations about mental health, including recognizing and addressing suicide risk.
Preventing Suicide Among Older Veterans
This brochure helps family members and friends of older Veterans recognize the signs of suicide risk and learn how to talk to and support Veterans experiencing suicidal ideation. In addition, the brochure offers tips for reducing suicide risk by making the home safer.
Older Veteran Behavioral Health Resource Inventory
This inventory was developed to help health and social service professionals enhance their outreach and support for older Veterans who have, or are at risk for, behavioral health conditions. It may also be helpful for Veterans and their family members who are interested in details about various programs and benefits.
Veterans Coffee Socials
Veterans Coffee Socials provide an enjoyable place to meet friends, find resources, and have fun with other Veterans and community members. Explore this page to learn more about these events, view a brief video, and download the Quick Start Guide for Veterans Coffee Socials.
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.
