Suicide Prevention

The problem of suicide challenges our nation everyday, now more than ever. Yet, most of us are unprepared. How do we know what a suicidal person is thinking? Should we say something? If so, what? What do we do next? Too often, we miss the signs or hope that we're wrong, and ultimately fail to act.

My own experiences have convinced me that it's time to act. It's time to lead. It's time to hope, because together we can make a difference.

While suicide is one of our country’s most common causes of death, it is also one of the most preventable. We need only the courage and the tools to recognize the warning signs and take the proper steps to avoid the next tragedy. That’s what QPR is all about.

Read "Learning From Loss"

QPR Gatekeeper Training for Suicide Prevention

What is QPR?

QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer. Three simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. Similar to CPR, QPR operates on the idea that a community filled with trained individuals becomes a safety net for those at risk. These courageous men and women as known as gatekeepers.

Who can be a Gatekeeper?

A gatekeeper can be anyone in a position to recognize a crisis and the warning signs that someone may be contemplating suicide. Gatekeepers include parents, friends, neighbors, teachers, ministers, doctors, nurses, office supervisors, squad leaders, foremen, police officers, advisors, caseworkers, firefighters, and many others who are strategically positioned to recognize and refer someone at risk of suicide.

To paraphrase Mr. Rogers, if it is mentionable, it is manageable. QPR training gives participants the confidence to effectively ask difficult questions and engage in conversations that can enable a suicidal person to get the help that they need to weather the storm.

Why become a Gatekeeper?

Because it’s time to aggressively confront this growing problem. Maybe you have been touched by suicide, know someone who has, and want to help to build a powerful prevention network. Perhaps you lead a team or an organization whose mission is to make the world or the workplace a safer, healthier place. Either way, an opportunity to take a courageous step forward awaits you.

Gatekeeper training takes as little as an hour and the certification is good for two years. It is an engaging, upbeat message of hope. A mixture of lecture, video, role play, and Q & A designed to leave participants with both resources and confidence. Specialized training is available for specific groups such as public safety, schools, healthcare, youth, trades and others. As an instructor certified by the QPR Institute, I would be honored to deliver this training to your workplace.

The QPR Institute

The QPR mission is to reduce suicidal behaviors and save lives by providing innovative, practical and proven suicide prevention training. The signs of crisis are all around us. We believe that quality education empowers all people, regardless of their background, to make a positive difference in the life of someone they know. Visit the QPR Institute website.

Specialized QPR Gatekeeper Training

In addition to the Core QPR Gatekeeper program, specialized and customized programs are also available that target the challenges faced by various populations. More information about some of these programs can be found below:

QPR Gatekeeper Core Program

The Core Gatekeeper Program is typically 1.5 hours in length and is limited to 35 participants. Those completing the course will receive a Ask a Question, Save a Life booklet, wallet card and certification good for two years. In this course you will learn how to:

Differentiate between suicide myths and facts
Recognize the warning signs of suicide
Ask the question
Persuade the person to get help
Refer the person for help
Access local resources

The Enduring Leadership Project