FREE Community Training: Learn QPR to Recognize and Respond to Suicide Warning Signs.

Interview with Stephanie Kooistra, Community Health Program Specialist at Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial.

Nationwide, the rates of those reporting depression and anxiety have increased dramatically. Many residents continue to struggle with feelings of loneliness and isolation that have been part of the pandemic experience. Even before the onset of the pandemic, residents of Newaygo County identified mental health issues as among the most pressing needs in our county. Several organizations in the Newaygo County Community Collaborative are looking to enhance mental health services. This interview examines one initiative that you can get involved in.

Hi Stephanie, could you tell me about a new training that you recently went through and who else is involved?

I was recently trained with two colleagues, Erica Jordan and Jenn Kurnat, to teach QPR, a suicide prevention training.

What does QPR stand for?

QPR stands for Question, Persuade, Refer. It is an emergency mental health intervention that teaches lay and professional gatekeepers (community members) to recognize and respond positively to someone exhibiting suicide warning signs and behaviors.

What is the training like?

I am certain that you have heard of CPR. With CPR, bystanders help save lives by addressing the first three steps—recognizing symptoms, deciding to act, starting CPR, and the application of AED if available. In like mode, QPR-trained Gatekeepers recognize and respond to suicide warning signs, take immediate steps to mitigate the risk of a suicide attempt and assure a referral to competent professional care.

Our trainings offer a chance to help familiarize the participant to QPR and how gatekeepers can help people who need someone to check in on them. Through this training, participants will increase their ability to recognize suicidal thoughts and behaviors in others and what they can do to help save a life.

How can I get involved in the next QPR training?

We will be holding a community training on

Tuesday, August 10

9:00 AM - 10:00AM

NC RESA Educational Service Center

4747 W 48th St Fremont, MI 49412

Call 231.924.3073 to register.

This event is free to attend, however you must pre-register. If you work with the public, this is an excellent opportunity. Bring a friend!

Space is limited to 30 participants.

If your group, business or organization would like a QPR training, reach out to me at the above phone number.

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Thank you to NC RESA for providing the space and to NC3 for promoting this training.

Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial

QPR Institute