VA Suicide Prevention in Palliative and Hospice Care
Thank you to everyone who joined our Q3 HVPI meeting last week. We appreciate your participation and engagement.
Meeting Review:
Joey Eller, LCSW, Indy VA Suicide Prevention Program Coordinator, presented on
VA Suicide Prevention in Palliative/Hospice Care. The training focused on the importance of connection in reducing suicide risk, recognizing and assessing suicide risk, developing client-centered safety plans, and helping Veterans remain future-oriented at the end of life.
The HVPI Leadership Team also shared several VA and partnership updates, including the VA’s new federal electronic medical record system, updates to contracted nursing homes, and the Marion VA’s launch of a virtual outpatient Palliative Care Clinic on September 22.
Resources:
- Watch the Q3 Presentation Video
- Download the Q3 Presentation PowerPoint
- Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 for Veterans and service members.
Partner Spotlight:
Thank you to Julie Olds, MMC, CT, CFC (Julie.Olds@dignitymemorial.com) from Dignity Memorial Funeral Homes and Cemeteries for sharing more about Dignity Memorial and its work supporting Veterans, families, and hospice partners.
Julie also shared information about the Indiana Hospice Volunteer Services Managers Network, which provides local hospice volunteer services managers and coordinators an opportunity to connect, share successes and challenges, learn about community resources, and collaborate on projects supporting the We Honor Veterans program.
CEU's for Social Workers:
HVPI is pleased to share that we are licensed by the State of Indiana to provide Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for Social Workers.
If you completed the meeting evaluation following Joey Eller’s presentation, your CEU certificate will be emailed to you. Please reach out to us with any questions regarding CEUs or certification.
To receive future training invitations, meeting updates, and login information, Social Workers are encouraged to join HVPI here.
Upcoming Events:
The Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall
September 18-21, 2026 | Plainfield, IN
Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall Information
Marion VA Veterans Day Parade
November 6, 2026 | 1:00 PM
Parade: November 6, 2026
Hospice partners are invited to join HVPI for the Marion VA Veterans Day Parade! Those volunteering to help decorate the truck should arrive at 9:00 AM. Partners are welcome to pass out agency swag during the parade and are encouraged to wear an HVPI T-shirt or a patriotic blow-up costume.
A special thank you to Tracy Wagoner with Adoration Hospice for making our HVPI T-shirts!
HVPI T-Shirt Orders:
T-shirt orders
close October 1, 2026 — no exceptions. Delivery and pickup will take place the week of
October 19.
Order your HVPI Honor • Serve • Remember T-shirt
When ordering, simply select your size and preferred delivery/pickup option:
- Deliver to Indy VA (Palliative Office)
- Coordinate pickup with Tracy
- Coordinate pickup with Marty
Parade Participation & Donations:
sign up genuis
Final Parade Planning Meeting:
October 22, 2026 | 8:30 AM |
Microsoft Teams
Steps of Honor
November 7, 2026
Those interested in volunteering can contact
Kyle Pitt at
kyle1pitt@gmail.com or
765-620-8517.
Q4 HVPI Partnership Meeting
December 9, 2026 | 10:00–11:30 AM
Dr. Lyle Fettig: VA Concurrent Care
HVPI 4th Annual Holiday Drive
Details coming soon!

Other Resources





