An upcoming continuing education program at Marywood University will examine issues veterans face and discuss resources they need.  “Serving and Understanding our Veterans: Suicide Prevention, PTSD and Trauma Treatment, Regional Resources” will be presented on Friday, November 16, 2018, from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., in the Upper Main Dining Hall, at the Nazareth Student Center on the University’s campus. This program offers continuing education credits for a variety of professionals, including psychologists, counselors, educators, and social workers.

To help better serve the military-affiliated population, the workshop will offer civilian professionals a greater understanding of the military and veteran mindset, including the complexities of military culture, the ins and outs of the healthcare system, military and veteran specific psychological issues and challenges. Some of these include suicide risk assessment and prevention strategies, PTSD and combat-specific trauma diagnosis and treatment, and tools to navigate the veterans’ benefits system.  Additionally, the program will provide best practices for working with veterans and transitioning service members and their families. Each topic will contribute to  a better understanding of how veterans think and operate in the classroom, professional settings, and in their day-to-day lives.

Featured speakers for the program include:

  • Christopher Smith, director of the Office of Military and Veteran Services at Marywood University and a United States Army veteran.
  • Mark Lombardo, Psy.D., the coordinator of suicide prevention at the Hudson Valley Veterans Healthcare System, as well as an assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at New York Medical Colleges.
  • Chris Rupp, LCSW, clinical social worker at the Middletown Veteran Center, Department of Veterans Affairs Services
  • Nicole Garza, MSW, LCSW, chief social worker with the Wilkes-Barre Veterans Administration.

The program fee is $125, which includes CEUs, program, breakfast, and lunch. Members of the military and veterans will receive 20 percent off course registration. Registrations made before November 1, 2018, will receive 10 percent off the course price. Online registration is available at www.marywood.edu/contedureg, by phone at 570-340-6061, or in person with cash or check made out to Marywood University, located at the Swartz Center for Spiritual Life. To register by mail, mail registration form with check or credit card, to Professional Continuing Education, Marywood University, 2300 Adams Avenue, Scranton, Pa. 18509. Please provide an authorization letter from an agency providing payment, and fax to (570) 961-4798, or register by phone with Visa, MasterCard, or Discover Card, at (570) 340-6061.