Question, Persuade, Refer: Gatekeeper Training

Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) is an evidenced-based skills training program to reduce suicide.

It is based on the theory that:

1. Those who most need help in a suicidal crisis are the least likely to ask for it.  Therefore, we must build knowledge of community members to recognize an impending crisis and offer help.
2. The person most likely to prevent someone from dying by suicide is someone already known to the individual.  Therefore, all community members should know what to do if someone is suicidal.
3. Prior to making a suicide attempt, those in a suicidal crisis are likely to send warning signs of their distress and suicidal intent to those around them.   Therefore, learning these warning signs and taking quick action can save lives.
4. When we solve the problems people kill themselves to solve, the reasons for suicide disappear.  Therefore, crisis intervention, problem resolution, and treatment save lives.

Learning Objectives: 

• Understand the common myths and facts surrounding suicidal behavior.
• Understand risk factors of suicide and knowledge of protective factors. 
• Recognize and identify warning signs that someone is at risk for suicide.
• Increase knowledge of referral sources and how to refer someone for help.
• Demonstrate implementation of the progressive QPR steps.

Youth Mental Health First Aid

Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond  to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders in youth. This training  gives adults who work with youth the skills they need to reach out and provide initial  support to children and adolescents (ages 12-18) who may be developing a mental  health or substance use problem and help connect them to the appropriate care.

Three Learning Options:

• Virtual
  First Aiders will complete a 2-hour, self-paced online class, then participate in a 4- to 5-hour instructor-led videoconference. 
• Blended Learning
  After completing  a 2-hour, self-paced online class, First  Aiders will participate in a 5-6 hour, in person, Instructor-led class. 
• In-person
  First Aiders will complete two, four-hour days within a seven day period

Who Should Take it: 

• Teachers
• School staff 
• Coaches 
• Camp counselors 
• Youth group leaders
• Parents 
• People who work with  youth  

What it Covers:

• Common signs and symptoms of mental illness in this age group, including
• Anxiety 
• Depression 
• Eating disorders 
• Attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) 
• Common signs and symptoms of substance use 
• How to interact with a child or adolescent in crisis 
• How to connect the person with help 
• NEW: Expanded content on trauma, addiction and self-care and the impact of social media and bullying