{"id":291363,"date":"2026-09-22T06:32:16","date_gmt":"2026-09-22T06:32:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/291363\/"},"modified":"2026-09-22T06:32:16","modified_gmt":"2026-09-22T06:32:16","slug":"pennsylvania-roundup-dmva-hosts-roundtable-to-discuss-the-ongoing-veteran-suicide-epidemic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/291363\/","title":{"rendered":"Pennsylvania Roundup: DMVA hosts roundtable to discuss the \u2018ongoing veteran suicide epidemic\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) and the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) on Monday hosted a suicide prevention roundtable at the American Legion State Headquarters to discuss the ongoing suicide epidemic among veterans and highlight critical support available to help Pennsylvania\u2019s over 650,000 veterans, active service members, and their families.<\/p>\n

Both women and men who served in the military face a higher risk of dying by suicide, specifically suicide by firearm, where female veterans have a 144% higher chance, and men have an almost 70% greater chance.<\/p>\n

Veteran firearm suicide rates have increased 65% since 2001.<\/p>\n

\u201cPennsylvania veterans and service members can face unique challenges stemming from their military tenure; it is imperative that we let them know we are here to help in many ways,\u201d said Maj. Gen. John Pippy, Pennsylvania\u2019s adjutant general and head of the DMVA. \u201cVeteran self-harm is one of the most pressing social issues we face, and events like this raise awareness and promote a sense of community. DMVA is dedicated, standing ready to assist Pennsylvania\u2019s veterans with getting the help they need.\u201d<\/p>\n

Last December, DMVA was one of six recipients under PCCD\u2019s federal Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP) Firearm Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention initiative, receiving over $140,000 in grant funding for their Plan. Pause. Protect. Campaign.<\/p>\n

\u201cPreventing suicide among our veterans, active service members, and their loved ones is a shared responsibility, and this funding underscores the Shapiro-Davis Administration\u2019s commitment to statewide collaboration to make our communities safer,\u201d said Kirsten Kenyon, PCCD executive director. \u201cThrough this partnership with DMVA, we are investing in comprehensive, evidence-based strategies that provide critical resources to service members, veterans and their families, while reinforcing Pennsylvania\u2019s broader mission to reduce gun violence and prevent suicide across the Commonwealth.\u201d<\/p>\n

This investment is helping DMVA partner with other agencies to host mental health and suicide prevention events throughout the Commonwealth, with a focus on educating the public about lethal means safety. This includes safety planning and \u2018reasons for living\u2019 workshops.<\/p>\n

Additionally, the grant has allowed DMVA to expand on federal and state prevention efforts and distribute firearm cable locks and safe storage devices to Pennsylvania veterans.<\/p>\n

PCCD\u2019s investments in DMVA\u2019s initiative and other firearm suicide prevention efforts build on the agency\u2019s commitment to reducing gun violence and improving responses to mental and behavioral health needs.<\/p>\n

Firearms are the most lethal means of suicide, with a 90 percent fatality rate compared to other methods. Over 60% of gun deaths throughout the Commonwealth were suicides in 2023. Additionally, 19% of those deaths were veterans.<\/p>\n

If you are a veteran in crisis, or you are concerned about one, free, confidential support is available 24\/7. Call the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and then pressing 1.<\/p>\n

Oct. 19 is voter registration deadline<\/p>\n

Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt reminded Pennsylvanians this week that the deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 3 midterm election is just one month away.<\/p>\n

\u201cRegistering to vote takes only a few minutes, and I urge every eligible Pennsylvanian who is not yet registered to vote to do so before the Oct. 19 deadline,\u201d Schmidt said. \u201cOnce you are registered, you can exercise your fundamental right to vote and let your voice be heard in the upcoming general election.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eligible Pennsylvania voters will have the opportunity to cast a ballot for their U.S. House of Representatives\u2019 seat, Governor\/Lieutenant Governor, even-numbered state Senate districts, and all state House districts. The department\u2019s candidate database lists candidates who are running for office.<\/p>\n

\u201cEnsuring that our elections are conducted freely, fairly, and securely, and that every eligible voter can make their voice heard, are top priorities of the Shapiro Administration,\u201d Schmidt said.<\/p>\n

To be eligible to vote in the Nov. 3 election, a person must be:<\/p>\n

\u2022 A U.S. citizen for at least one month before the primary,<\/p>\n

\u2022 A resident of the election district in which the person plans to register for at least 30 days before the primary<\/p>\n

\u2022 At least 18 years old on or before Nov. 3.<\/p>\n

Pennsylvanians who are already registered to vote can check their registration status online. They can also update their voter record with any name, address, or party affiliation changes.<\/p>\n

Eligible Pennsylvanians also can get a voter registration application at the following locations:<\/p>\n

\u2022 Their county elections office<\/p>\n

\u2022 County assistance offices<\/p>\n

\u2022 Women, Infants & Children (WIC) program offices<\/p>\n

\u2022 Armed Forces recruitment centers<\/p>\n

\u2022 County clerk of orphans\u2019 courts or marriage license offices<\/p>\n

\u2022 Area Agencies on Aging<\/p>\n

\u2022 County mental health and intellectual disabilities offices<\/p>\n

\u2022 Student disability services offices of the State System of Higher Education<\/p>\n

\u2022 Americans with Disabilities Act-mandated complementary paratransit providers<\/p>\n

Registered voters can also request a mail ballot online.<\/p>\n

Walsh seeks service photos<\/p>\n

State Rep. Jamie Walsh, R-Ross Township, will host a Veterans Recognition Event and Expo for Luzerne County veterans on Saturday, Nov. 7, in partnership with Misericordia University.<\/p>\n

As part of the event, he is asking attendees to send service photos.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am very much looking forward to this event,\u201d Walsh said. \u201cNo one deserves our gratitude more than the men and women who have faithfully served this country. This event is one small way for us to show our respect and support. Another way we would like to honor those in attendance is with display boards at the event showcasing photos of our veterans during their time in service. If you are attending and have a photo to share, please send an electronic copy or stop by my Dallas office to have it scanned.\u201d<\/p>\n

The event will include a recognition ceremony along with dozens of vendors offering programs and services for veterans and their family members. Light refreshments will be served, and members of the United States Army Field Band will perform during the ceremony.<\/p>\n

The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lemmond Theater and Insalaco Hall, Misericordia University, 301 Lake St., Dallas.<\/p>\n

Those who would like to provide a service photo to be displayed at this year\u2019s event are asked to email the photo to CSweeney@PAHouseGOP.com, or bring the photo to the Dallas district office at 2825 Memorial Hwy., Dallas, or the Sugarloaf district office at 669 state Route 93, Suite 3, for scanning.<\/p>\n

Registration is required for this event, and each veteran can bring one guest. RSVP by Oct. 24 by calling 570-675-6000 or visiting www.RepWalsh.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

CareerLink representative available <\/p>\n

Sen. Lisa Baker, R-Lehman Township, announced a representative from PA CareerLink will be available to answer questions and provide guidance on Wednesday, Sept. 23, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at her district office, 22 Dallas Shopping Center, Memorial Hwy., Dallas.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhether you are looking for a new job or simply want to strengthen your skills, PA CareerLink has resources available to help,\u201d Baker said. \u201cI encourage anyone who is searching for employment or looking to advance their career to take advantage of these free services and the expertise available right here in our community.\u201d<\/p>\n

PA CareerLink offers job search assistance, resume and interview workshops, access to more than 7,000 online training courses through SkillUP PA, classroom and on-the-job training, and many other programs and resources. All services are provided at no cost to participants. No appointment is necessary.<\/p>\n

For information, call Baker\u2019s district office at 570-675-3931.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Local journalism matters, and your support makes it possible. You can help sustain this work by making a donation or choosing one of our subscription options. Subscribers enjoy valuable benefits, including full access to our e-edition, a reduced ad experience on timesleader.com, and more.<\/p>\n

Your support helps ensure independent, high-quality local news remains available today and for future generations. Thank you for standing with local journalism. \n<\/p>\n

Click for subscription offers.<\/a><\/p>\n

Reach Bill O\u2019Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on X @TLBillOBoyle.<\/p>\n

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