QPR CPR FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION – Susan Conlin Opheim, SOS Group Facilitator S.O.S.- May 1998 Ask a Question, Save a Life Last year at the Annual Survivors Conference in Minneapolis I heard Paul Quinnett give his one hour presentation of QPR. It was just what I was looking for. A suicide prevention plan that had been put together by professionals and was being taught by trained instructors. It was modeled after the CPR program where community members looking to be good neighbors learn the program so they can help their fellow man until professional help arrives. The following is a brief overview of the program. The Q stands for how to ask the question if someone is showing signs of depression or any other reason that they many be contemplating suicide. Paul showed us why we are afraid of asking the question and how that often puts us into the denial mode. He dispelled many of the myths of suicide and explained how we could save lives by being trained to know what to look for, and by being willing to offer hope. The P stands for how to persuade the person to get help and how to listen to what they are really saying – plus, how to get them help. The R stand for referral.
It includes how to refer someone for help and what resources are available. Last May I went to Spokane,
Washington and became a Certified Instructor for the QPR program. Since
this time, I’ve been presenting to Employee Assistance Programs,
personnel of Technical Schools, Emergency Services Organizations and private
groups. I am looking for others who may be interested in this training
program. With your help, we can spread news of this program and work together to try and prevent future suicides.
SOS Newsletter Article, Mental Health Center of Dane County, Inc.
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