QPR Suicide Prevention Training May 15, 2014 

How do we know that QPR is effective?  We look to the Colorado Office of Suicide Prevention, and the National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP).  From the description of QPR on the NREPP web site:

The QPR (Question, Persuade, and Refer) Gatekeeper Training for Suicide Prevention is a brief educational program designed to teach "gatekeepers"--those who are strategically positioned to recognize and refer someone at risk of suicide (e.g., parents, friends, neighbors, teachers, coaches, caseworkers, police officers)--the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to respond by following three steps:

1.  Question the individual's desire or intent regarding suicide
2.  Persuade the person to seek and accept help
3.  Refer the person to appropriate resources

Evaluation research is summarized on the NREPP web page.  The research tells us that QPR is effective in increasing knowledge about suicide, and increases the confidence of persons called upon to use their QPR training, and connect them with emergency mental health workers.

QPR course content

• epidemiology of suicide and current statistics, as well as myths and misconceptions about suicide and suicide prevention
• general warning signs of suicide; and
• the three target gatekeeper skills (i.e., question, persuade, refer).

The course uses short videos and includes practice dialogues trainees do with each other. 

The trainer will provide wallet card reminder tools at the end of the class.