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How to save a life

Train to be a “gatekeeper” in the fight against suicide

Too few of us remain untouched by the issue of suicide, especially at a time when Wyoming consistently tops the rankings of suicides per capita. On the other hand, all of us have the capacity to step in and potentially save a life.

Next week, the Be Well Coalition is offering the first chance of the year to become a “gatekeeper” able to recognize the warning signs of a suicidal person, intervene effectively and direct them to the best resources available.

QPR stands for “Question, Persuade, Refer”. This free, two-hour training session will be hosted by Amanda Gaskin and Dave Jageman at the Chapel of Faith on February 22 at 6 p.m.

“One of the goals of the Be Well Coalition is to increase the number of residents who are ‘Gatekeepers’ for suicide prevention. Unfortunately, Wyoming is once again, the first in the nation for per capita deaths by suicide,” says Katie Allen, Crook County Prevention Specialist.

“Sadly, we are not immune here in Crook County and chances are that you might know someone that died by suicide.”

QPR aims to empower every person who takes the training by teaching them what to do in a situation where someone they know is in crisis.

“Each and every one of us has the chance to help a friend, family member, co-worker or neighbor by talking about suicide and mental wellness,” says Allen.

“By reducing the stigma of this difficult topic and learning how to engage in a conversation with someone you are worried about, you could make all the difference in someone choosing to live.”

QPR is the most widely taught gatekeeper program in the world and includes information about the common causes of suicidal behavior, the warning signs of a person in crisis and how to get help for that person.

“QPR training an evidence-based training that is used around the country to teach anyone and everyone how to ask the question ‘Are you considering suicide?’,” says Allen.

“By recognizing the warning signs of suicide and then knowing how to offer hope, and then ultimately the tools you need to help that person get help, you can ultimately save a life.”

Register for the upcoming event at the events page of crookcountyprevention.com

 
 
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