You are probably asking yourself, “What is QPR?”  QPR stands for Question, Persuade and Refer. Three steps anyone can learn to help prevent suicide. QPR is a suicide-prevention training designed to educate people from all walks of life on how to recognize the warning signs of suicide. QPR training helps people get comfortable asking the question “Are you thinking about suicide?” and then helping others get appropriate help. QPR is for anyone interested in helping someone who has thoughts of suicide.

Together with the Kansas Suicide Prevention Coalition, Monique Koerner and Alicia Boor will host a QPR training at noon on Friday, May 30, at Fort Hays Tech North Central, 2205 Wheatland Ave. Hays.

Register at https://kansassuicidepreventioncoalition.org/training-registration/.

The QPR mission is to reduce suicidal behaviors and save lives by providing innovative, practical and proven suicide prevention training. The signs of crisis are all around us. We believe that quality education empowers all people, regardless of their background to make a positive difference in the life of someone they know.

K-State Research and Extension is committed to helping the mental health crisis in Kansas by creating the Stress and Resiliency Transdisciplinary team. Our Stress and Resiliency team provides educational information about stress, stress management and resiliency, or one’s ability to adapt positively to difficult experiences. Areas of focus include all types of stress and general mental health information, because stress impacts all of us – regardless of demographic.

Increasing awareness and people’s willingness to talk about mental health will encourage more Kansans to get the help they need. Another goal is to equip Kansans with tools and techniques that help them recognize and manage stress within their lives, families and communities. Our team also strives to educate Kansans about resiliency – how to enhance it and how to incorporate it into their daily lives.

In addition to the above training, we are available to present QPR to a wide variety of audiences. Some examples would include workplaces, schools, colleges and universities, faith communities, emergency departments and services, and other civic organizations that are interested in learning more about the mental health crisis and suicide prevention.

For more information about mental health, stress or stress management, or to schedule a QPR training, please contact Cottonwood Extension District at 785-628-9430 or 620-793-1910. Or email Monique at moniquek@ksu.edu or Alica at aboor@ksu.edu.

Alicia Boor is the Agriculture and Natural Resources agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. Contact her by email at aboor@ksu.eduor call 620-793-1910. Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with the Cottonwood District. Contact her at 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.