Why QPR?
Learn how you can help prevent suicide
Facilitators:
Erin Conaway, CPS, Outreach Specialist
Hope Sams, CPS-P, Lead Family Contact
Leslie Wilbanks, CPS-P, Referral Specialist/Lead CPS-P
Lela McClanahan, CPS-P, Family Support Partner
QPR stands for Question, Persuade and Refer, three steps anyone can learn to help prevent suicide. Just like CPR, QPR is an emergency response to someone in crisis that can save lives. People trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help. Each year thousands of Americans, like you, are saying “Yes” to saving the life of a friend, colleague, sibling, or neighbor.
QPR is delivered in a one and a half hour format. During the class, participants learn the basic principles below for providing support to someone who is considering suicide and have an opportunity to practice QPR.
- Early recognition of suicide warning signs.
The sooner warning signs are detected and help sought, the better the outcome of a suicide crisis will be. - Early QPR.
Asking someone about the presence of suicidal thoughts and feelings opens up a conversation that may lead to a referral for help. - Early intervention and referral.
Referral to local resources or calling 1-800-Suicide for evaluation and possible referral is critical. Most people thinking about suicide are suffering from an undiagnosed and/or untreated mental illness or substance abuse disorder for which excellent treatments exist. Also, the offering of hope and social and spiritual support can often avert a suicide attempt. - Early professional assessment and treatment.
As with any illness, early detection and treatment results in better outcomes and fewer lives lost to suicide.
For more information or to request this training for your community or agency, please contact Erin at erinc@lmcs.org or 706.483.5356.