​Formed in March 2023 with our VA Community Engagement Partnership Coordinators Ronald Downs (Bronx VA) and Carl LoFaro (Montrose VA), the Veterans Committee strives to bring suicide prevention awareness and education to Veterans and the community at large. Membership includes clinical staff of local hospitals & non-profits, colleges, the VA, community organizers, county personnel and members of the veteran community.

The Committee has created a rack card for professionals which is being distributed to clinical programs across Westchester County.  The Committee also sponsors CALM training sessions (Counseling on Access to Lethal Means) and has begun holding gun lock distribution events to increase awareness and provide the tools to help promote safe firearm storage.   

Most recently, the Committee developed and held a What Helps, What Doesn't Mental Health panel, where veterans discussed their experiences with the mental health system to provide insight to clinicians working with veterans.

Committee members also offer training in Military Culture and Communication geared towards clinicians and other professionals working with veterans.  

 

 

Co-Chairs

Gabriel DiCola, Director, Vet2Vet, Family Services of Westchester 

Annette Peters-Ruvolo, Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health (DCMH)

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