QPR, which stands for Question Persuade Refer, teaches people to recognize suicide communications and actions, intervene safely and confidently, and connect the person in need to the right help.
Talking about suicide can be difficult, for the person experiencing suicidal thoughts, or their concerned friend or family member. In fact, the difficulty is so great that people who are considering suicide often speak in “coded messages.” They might make indirect statements like, “You won’t have to worry about me much longer,” or “Everyone would be better off without me.”
The MHARS Board trains citizens to recognize and respond to warning signs as a key way to prevent suicide, and provides a full roster of mental health trainings. In a recent year, the agency provided approximately 150 hours of training to an estimated 519 community members, as well as providing professional development for close to 200 clinicians and 200 members of law enforcement.
QPR can be offered in 90 minutes in most group settings. It is ideal for a “lunch and learn” session to help businesses meet their workplace wellness goals, or an after-church education session, or a civic group presentation.
To bring QPR to your business, church, library, civic organization or other Lorain County group, call 440-233-2020 or send a request to outreach@lcbmh.org.