Images courtesy of Copper Shores Community Health Foundation

Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) is a one-hour suicide prevention training that helps people learn to recognize and address suicide risk. Becoming a Certified QPR Trainer has been a transformative experience for me. Every session I facilitate, I always leave with sense of empowerment that I’m helping people learn skills that can truly make a difference in someone’s life.

The training begins with an engaging introduction that highlights the significance of suicide prevention. I share stories and statistics that open eyes to the prevalence of suicide and the urgency of early intervention. It is a wake-up call, showing that suicide is a pressing issue that requires our attention and action.

Throughout the training, we delve into the risk factors and warning signs for suicide. The training equips participants with the ability to recognize distress and understand the gravity of suicidal thoughts. It is a powerful reminder that sometimes a simple question can save a life.

The heart of the training is the QPR model itself. Participants learn to identify someone in crisis, ask direct questions about suicide, and actively listen without judgment. The training emphasizes the importance of empathy and effective communication to connect people to help, offering practical skills that can be immediately applied in real-life situations.

In addition, QPR training instills a sense of responsibility and compassion. It shatters the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide, encouraging open conversations. By providing this knowledge, I help others serve as a vital link between someone at risk and the professional support that could save their life.

As a QPR Trainer, I’ve become more aware of the people around me and the struggles they may be facing in silence. I’ve engaged in conversations that I may have previously shied away from, asking the difficult questions and offering support. I’ve referred individuals to helplines, therapists, and community resources, knowing that I’m giving them a lifeline.

QPR training has made me an advocate for suicide prevention. It has given me the tools to intervene, the knowledge to recognize warning signs, and the confidence to stand up and take action. It’s a reminder that we all have the power to make a difference in someone’s life, and sometimes, all it takes is a question, a persuasive conversation, and a referral to save a life.

At Copper Shores Outreach & Education, we offer this training for free to our community. The next opportunity is on Wednesday, May 15 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Ojibwa Community Library. We’ll be doing this in partnership with Keweenaw Support 4 Healthy Minds. If you want to join that day or if you’re interested in hosting a free QPR training at your work, club or for any group of people, email me at lsimpson@coppershores.org. You can also learn more about QPR at coppershores.org/qpr.