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Suicide is the 8th leading cause of death in Washington state, and the 2nd leading cause of death amongst our youth. On Saturday, September 10, suicide prevention advocates, loss survivors, and attempt survivors will raise their voices together to bring healing and resources to this globally important issue.
In conjunction with World Suicide Prevention Day 2016, Forefront will host a free, 2-hour community training at the UW Seattle School of Social Work. This training will help you learn how to recognize when a friend, family member, or co-worker is at risk for suicide, and what you can say and do to help. This workshop is open to all. Here in Washington state, help us build a united front for suicide prevention by bringing your family, friends, and colleagues to learn important tools for assessing and intervening with suicide risk. The training will provide you with skills in recognizing and responding to suicide risk. There will be opportunities to ask questions, practice some skills, and gain confidence in helping others. Come be part of a worldwide effort to build awareness, break stigma, and learn tools that can help prevent suicide. WHERE: University of Washington School of Social Work Building Room 305 A/B http://socialwork.uw.edu/about/visit-us 4101 15TH AVE NE, Seattle, WA 98105 WHEN: World Suicide Prevention Day Saturday, September 10th, 2016 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Light snacks and refreshments will be offered. There is no cost to attend, however space is limited and registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis. REGISTER HERE TODAY There is a place for everyone in suicide prevention. Join us to learn tools that can help you take yours! Caitlin KB LaVine, MSW Forefront: Innovations in Suicide Prevention Program Specialist 206.543.1016 www.intheforefront.org  “Our lives are built around stories. It’s the fabric of society,” says Tom Skerritt, whose Red Badge Project helps Wounded Warriors use storytelling to explore their emotions and heal invisible wounds. (Photo by Katie M. Simmons) Military veterans have a significantly higher risk of suicide than the general population — as much as 41% to 61% higher, according to a study of those who served during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Forefront’s grassroots network of suicide prevention advocates includes those who are helping reduce that risk. Click here to see how Tom Skerritt is using his passion and experience to help fellow vets find their place and themselves in civilian life.
 Representative David Jolly has introduced H.R. 4640, the Veteran Suicide Prevention Act. If enacted, this bill would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to complete a review and report of the deaths by suicide of all veterans under VA care during the five-year period preceding enactment. This review would include the following:
The bill would require VA to report to Congress the extent to which veterans who died by suicide were being prescribed medications carrying "black box" warnings. It would also mandate VA to report prescribing policies related to black box medications. Please write your Representative today to urge co-sponsorship and enactment of this bill. As always, thank you for your advocacy in participating in the Commander's Action Network. Background: Gypsy moths are the worst forest insect pest ever introduced in the United States. The gypsy moth destroys millions of acres of trees where it is established in Eastern and Mid-Western states. Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) has successfully prevented the gypsy moth from becoming established in Washington for almost 40 years.
Current Control Efforts: In 2015, WSDA had an unusually large trapping of gypsy moths in Western Washington. To eradicate this pest, WSDA is proposing to treat seven sites in Western Washington: Seattle, Tacoma, Gig Harbor, Kent, Nisqually, Lacey, and Vancouver. In all, more than 10,000 acres will be treated. The treatments will involve application of a naturally occurring soil bacteria, Btk, with helicopters or small planes over the sites. There will be 3 – 5 applications, each of which will be 4 – 10 days apart. Potential Impact on Veterans: The noise from helicopters or low flying airplanes may be an issue for military veterans suffering from PTSD or other challenges. That is why WSDA would like to ensure veterans residing in the proposed treatment areas are aware of these plans. Learn More and Sign Up for Notification: Veterans may visit www.agr.wa.gov/gypsymoth to learn more about the proposed treatment project and find maps of the proposed treatment areas. They may also click here to sign up for notifications vie e-mail, text message, or phone call. Notifications will be sent out shortly before each treatment. Karla Salp Community Outreach & Environmental Education Specialist Washington State Department of Agriculture PO Box 42560 |Olympia, WA 98504-2560 Cell: (360) 480-5397 |Office: (360) 902-2178 ksalp@agr.wa.gov |www.agr.wa.gov The Veterans Entrepreneurship Program (VEP) provides a rigorous entrepreneurial learning and development opportunity for service-disabled veterans and those who have uniquely distinguished themselves in the military. It is designed for veterans who are interested in starting a venture as a means to financial independence or that have an existing small business that they would like to grow. 
The 90 minute workshop will be held at American Legion Post 66, 117 - 6th Avenue S, Edmonds at 11am on Friday, 2/5. Admission is free, but space is limited and requires pre-registration. Please RSVP by calling 425-275-9483.
At the January 7th meeting of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1040 in Lynnwood, a Wounded Warrior quilt was presented to VFW and Legionnaire member Ben Hawkins. The quilt was sponsored by Charlie LaNasa and made by Cheryl Thomas. Pictured are LaNasa (left), Hawkins, VFW Post Commander Richie Richter and Cheryl Thomas (right).  |
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