Suicide Prevention - QPR

The topic of suicide often stirs up fears and strong emotions. As a result, the subject of suicide is beset by dangerous myths and misconceptions. These myths and misconceptions can lead to isolation and hopelessness, two factors highly associated with suicide attempts and deaths by suicide. The QPR program hopes to correct these misconceptions through public education and replace myths with facts.

What does QPR mean? QPR stands for Question, Persuade, Refer - the 3 simple steps that anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. Individuals trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis, offer hope, and how to refer someone to help.

QPR is an emergency mental health intervention for suicidal persons created in 1995. The intent of QPR is to identify and interrupt a mental health crisis and direct that person to the proper care they need. QPR helps teach the general public to recognize and respond to the warning signs of a suicide crisis such as expressions of hopelessness, depression, giving away prized possessions, talking of suicide, and securing lethal means.

By recognizing the warning signs of suicide early on, opening a supporting dialogue with a suicidal person and securing consultation a professional may prevent the need for an emergency room visit or psychiatric hospitalization. Often times, the simple offering of hope and social or spiritual support can avert a suicide attempt entirely.

Contact us if you are interested in having a Certified QPR Instructor give a presentation on QPR.