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Cal U offers suicide prevention program centered on military

By Frances Borsodi Zajac fzajac@heraldstandard.Com 2 min read

As many as 22 American veterans die from suicide every day, according to the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs.

“That’s 8,000 a year,” said Capt. Robert Prah, director of the Office of Veterans Affairs at California University of Pennsylvania. “Or nearly 1,100 more than combined fatalities in both Iraq and Afghanistan from 2001 to present.”

In order to bring awareness to this problem, California University is offering a Military and Veteran Suicide Prevention Program 2-4 p.m. Monday in the campus’ Eberly Hall, Room 110.

The presenters include Prah, Capt. Carolyn Clements and Jason Brosk.

Prah is a member of the Army National Guard, a suicide intervention officer and a trainer for the Army-approved Ask, Care, Escort (ACE) suicide prevention and awareness training program.

Clements is assistant director and military coordinator for Cal U Global Online, the university’s online learning community.

Both Prah and Clements are also trainers for Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), the Army-approved intervention training for Army leaders, chaplains and other care providers.

Brosk is a readjustment counseling therapist who works with veterans at the Dept. of Veterans Affairs center in McKeesport.

Prah said this is the first time the campus has offered this program, as Cal U now has staff trained in this issue. He said there are hopes of offering a weekend course in suicide intervention officers training this coming January or February.

California University staff are becoming more aware of the concern for suicide prevention for military personnel as the numbers of veterans and those involved in military service on campus has increase significantly in recent years.

Prah noted that since he took on his role at California University seven years ago, the number of military personnel and veterans on campus has risen from about 125 to more than 400.

“Everyone has readjustment issues,” said Prah, noting that includes both men and women.

In addition to those who have died from suicide, Prah said, “You don’t know how many others have attempted suicide or have thought about it or reached out for help.”

The program, which is free and open to the public, will include information and interaction. Parking is available at Vulcan garage, located off Third Street near the campus entrance.

More information on California University’s Office of Veteran Affairs is available at www.calu.edu/veterans.

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