Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) consists of three simple steps that anyone can learn in order to help save the life of a suicidal person. According to the CDC, suicide is consistently among the leading causes of death in the United States. It is also one of the most preventable. While a common myth about suicide is that talking about suicide with someone may give them the idea, in truth, the simple act of asking the question, “Are you thinking of killing yourself?” can lead to saving a life. Open, frank, and calm discussion with a person who is having suicidal thoughts can open the door to hope.
The QPR Institute has developed multiple levels of training and certification for QPR gatekeepers – a term they use for “someone in a position to recognize a crisis and the warning signs that someone may be contemplating suicide.” Gatekeepers can be anyone – parents, friends, family members, neighbors, and community members, especially those in helping roles. In QPR’s one-hour training, gatekeepers learn the signs of suicidal thoughts and ways to Question, Persuade, and Refer the suicidal person with the goal of accessing help.
This free-to-the-public class is offered in partnership with Furman University.
If you are interested in hosting a class for your organization, please reach out to Outreach@mhagc.org.
