Suicide prevention training slated at Tekoa, Garfield

Healthy Tekoa coalition is teaming up with Tekoa and Garfield library to implement suicide prevention gatekeeper training. It is titled QPR–Question, Persuade and Refer–the three simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. The first training will be April 12 at 5 p.m. at the Tekoa Library and the second April 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the Garfield Library.

QPR training empowers all people, regardless of their background, to make a positive difference in the life of someone they know. 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.

Gatekeepers can include parents, friends, neighbors, 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. Healthy Tekoa coalition members were trained earlier this year.