QPR Gatekeeper Training: Ask A Question, Save A Life

The QPR Gatekeeper Training program currently involves trained mental health professionals from the Rice Counesling Center giving a 1 hour presentation on suicide awareness and prevention. We have several of these one hour trainings available during the fall, at different days and times (listed below), to be able to reach as many people as possible.

Location: Lovett Hall Conference Room, Lovett Hall Entrance B, (on the first floor)

Wednesday, October 14th, 2009, 4:00 – 5:00 pm

A recent research study surveying 26,000 college students, indicates that 55% of college aged students have at least one episode of suicidal thinking. Research suggests early detection of mental health results in increased prognosis for recovery and early intervention can be critical. The Rice Counseling Center Team believes that early detection of mental health issues is an important component of their work and that a student who wants or needs help should not be left to struggle on their own. Therefore, The Rice Counseling Center now offers "Question, Persuade and Refer (QPR)" a nationally-recognized suicide prevention program.

Much like CPR, QPR is designed as an easy to learn intervention and can be applied by anyone, including people outside of mental health professions. QPR is a behavioral intervention that focuses on helping a distressed student access appropriate professional help. It is intended to teach front-line individuals or “gatekeepers” (e.g. Masters, resident advisors, college coordinators, academic advisors, students, faculty, and staff) on how to recognize the warning signs of suicide, including verbal, behavioral, and situational clues. QPR provides clear direction for how to: Question a person about suicidal thoughts, Persuade them to get help, and Refer the person for help. Each participant will receive a QPR booklet and card with information on suicide prevention and important crisis contact resources.

Presented by a certified QPR instructor, each 60-minute QPR gatekeeper training includes information on:
· The problem of suicide nationally and locally
· Common myths and facts associated with suicide
· Warning signs of suicide
· Tips for asking the suicide question
· Methods for persuading suicidal individuals to get help
· Ways of referring at risk people to local resources
· AND time for Questions and Answers

If interested, please contact the Rice Counseling Center at 713-348-4867.

Sincerely,
Eva Gortner
713-348-4867, evagortner@rice.edu