Photograph of the American Flag.
Welcome to the Northwest Pennsylvania
Veteran Suicide Prevention Program

Working with Healthcare Partners, Community Organizations,
Veterans and their Families to End Suicide Deaths.
Logos of the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy and the Program Evaluation and Research Unit (PERU).
Monthly Newsletter
October 2021
Greetings to our stakeholders and supporters
Welcome to PERU's October newsletter for the Northwest Pennsylvania (NW PA) Veteran Suicide Prevention Program. We're looking forward to updating you every month with program news, training events, community outreach activities, and evidence-based best practices for reducing suicidality and increasing social connectedness and resilience among Veterans.

We encourage you to connect with us through our Facebook and LinkedIn groups and share the news of this program with colleagues, friends, and relevant community organizations. Your participation is greatly appreciated.
October Program Updates
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Read and Share Our Recent Articles
Each week, we share program-relevant articles on our website's blog. Designed to inform and inspire, these can be shared with colleagues or organizations that may have interest in collaborating.
This article provides:
  • A brief overview of the underlying premise of the Zero Suicide framework,
  • Why the framework is ideal for the Veteran population, and
  • Resources available to healthcare providers, community organizations, and Veterans and their families.
Read time: 5 minutes

Based on a recent presentation by PERU program implementation specialist Alisa Balestra, Ph.D., the following topics are explored:
  • Why suicide risk screening in primary care settings saves lives,
  • Barriers to suicide risk screening and strategies for successful implementation, and
  • Special considerations for suicide risk in rural areas.
Read time: 5 minutes

This article marks the start of our “Person-First” series chronicling the lived experiences of Veterans committed to reducing suicide deaths of those who have served in the armed forces.
Read time: 5 minutes
Upcoming opportunities and events
We accept relevant contributions for our events calendar and news blog. Members may also share program-related trainings, events, and activities on our Facebook and LinkedIn groups.

October 24, 1:00 - 3:00 pm via Zoom
FREE
This workshop incorporates free writing, breathing techniques and community agreements to allow thoughts and ideas to flow unto the paper without judgment or expectation of what it will become.
Previous writing experience not required. This workshop is free and open to all women Veterans, all eras, all separation statuses and service members.

SCOPE First Responders Training
The University of Pittsburgh’s Strategies to Coordinate Overdose Prevention Efforts (SCOPE) Statewide project provides free continuing education for first responders on the topics of substance use disorder 101, recovery-oriented systems of care, naloxone administration and leave behind, and understanding the barriers created by stigma and bias. You may register at http://pi.tt/2p or contact SCOPE@pitt.edu for more information.

Your participation saves lives
A map of the 15 counties of NW Pennsylvania.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), suicide is a growing public health crisis that took more than 48,000 lives in the United States in 2018.

In Pennsylvania alone, the rate of suicide deaths in 2018 was 15.7 per 100,000, compared to the national rate of 14.8 per 100,000.
Fully funded by the CDC, this program aims to reduce Veteran suicide attempts, injuries, and deaths by 10% (on average) over five years in the fifteen counties of Northwestern Pennsylvania. By improving access to treatment and support services, we will increase awareness of Veteran suicide risk through suicide prevention community activities and training opportunities.
There are many ways to participate
A group of friends with arms linked watch a sunset.
Whether you identify as a healthcare provider, community organization, or Veteran, there are several opportunities through the NW PA Veteran Suicide Prevention Program to connect to resources, participate in educational training, and promote harm reduction strategies for at-risk Veterans.

We are actively recruiting healthcare and community partners to work with us in meeting our goals and objectives. Help us:

  • Create community-based programs and services that foster supportive environments, promote social belonging and community connections, and offer effective coping and resilience-building strategies.
  • Deliver healthcare-related programs and services that identify and support people at-risk and strengthen access to and delivery of care.
  • Reduce misuse of firearms and preventing suicide by firearms.
  • Offer suicide awareness training for community members and Veterans.
  • Provide activities that promote Veteran culture and connection within communities.

The list above represents a sample of all available opportunities. Please contact us to connect with a program specialist and learn more.
Learn more about our work
To learn more, visit the NW PA Veteran Suicide Prevention website at theresilientveteran.org.

Need Help? Know Someone Who Does? Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or use the online Lifeline Crisis Chat. Both are free and confidential. You'll be connected to a skilled, trained counselor in your area.
PERU is dedicated to meaningful research and its contribution to a health system that facilitates a patient’s ability to achieve optimal health, well-being, recovery, and choice.
Funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Program