Only 20% of students say they would seek help at their counseling center.
Most individuals who attempt suicide communicate signs of their intentions prior to their attempt. Suicidal individuals communicate warning signs to peers, faculty, staff, and family members. However, if you are unaware of suicide warning signs, you may not know how to respond.
What is QPR?
QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer -- 3 simple steps that anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. Just as people trained in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help.
What is a Gatekeeper?
According to the Surgeon General's National Strategy for Suicide Prevention (2001), a gatekeeper is someone in a position to recognize a crisis and the warning signs that someone may be contemplating suicide. Gatekeepers include parents, friends, neighbors, professors, 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.
Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training will:
- Teach you the warning signs of a suicidal person.
- Teach you the skills needed to intervene when an individual is considering suicide.
- Educate you about the resources available at East Tennessee State University, as well as regional and national resources.
As an administrator, faculty or staff member, you can play an invaluable role in assisting students to get the help they need. The QPR training program is evidence-based, and takes approximately 50-75 minutes.
EDC QPR Trainings for Fall 2012 [click to pre-register]:
September 18th @ 9:30-10:30 am; 260 Hutcheson Hall
October 19th @ 1:30-2:30 pm; 328 Rogers Stout
November 14th @ 3:00-4:00 pm; 328 Rogers Stout
As a QPR-Trained Gatekeeper you will:
- recognize suicide warning signs
- know how to offer hope
- know how to get help and save a life
SCHEDULE a TRAINING: To schedule a training for your department, organization, classroom or student and community groups: Phone: 423-439-4463; Email: etsupeaks@etsu.edu.