QPR Training: Ask a question, save a life

On Monday evening, April 28, several individuals were newly certified as “gatekeepers,” after completing the QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Suicide Prevention Training presented by the Veterans of the Ozarks. Using QPR Institute materials, trainers for the evening were Dr. Richard Staley, a licensed professional counselor and member of the Missouri Veterans Suicide Prevention team, and Rachal Payne, a registered nurse and CEO of Transitional Healthcare Consultants, who also helps facilitate a survivors’ support group in the area. 

The training opened with explanation of what QPR is not: It isn’t professional counseling or treatment. Rather, it’s something most people can learn to do—bring hope into a situation and suggest positive action. Staley also explained the differences between various terminology and how different terms have different impact—for example, saying “committed suicide” rather than “died by suicide” can increase anxiety in survivors, as it sounds like a crime rather than a desperate act. There was also explanation of when to call 988, which has an Option 1 for veterans, vs. using 911 if the situation is time-urgent. 

Statistics presented as part of the training are quite sobering, as they reinforce the fact that risk is all around us. Statistically, in the U.S., more women attempt suicide than men, but more men die by suicide than women. The impact is particularly severe in small, close-knit communities, something several of the training attendees could relate to. Missouri ranks 15th in the nation, higher than the national average, and the number of veteran deaths by suicide in Missouri is also higher than the national average. 

Following the introductory and statistical material, the training moved into the practical. Examples were given of different types of clues to watch for; attendees found some of those clues to be as they expected, but others were a little surprising. The training session wrapped up with role-play of a situation involving an opportunity for conversation, asking the direct question of whether someone is contemplating suicide, and leading them to a commitment to get help—the “refer” of QPR. Attendees were given follow-up resources to help increase their knowledge of how to make such referrals. 

This writer highly recommends the training as a way to build confidence in the average citizen that, yes, they can recognize at-risk situations and do something to intervene. Working together, we can help lower the statistics in Missouri and make a difference for these individuals and their families. 

The Survivors of Suicide Loss Support Group welcomes all those whose lives have been changed by the loss to suicide of someone they love. Join others in the journey of healing, on the third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m., at Ozark Christian Church, 1200 McCrakren Rd., Ozark. The group is facilitated by Rachal Payne and Pastor Kerry Miller; email kerrymiller74@gmail.com or rachal@healthcareconsultants417.com with questions. 

Veterans of the Ozarks presents the QPR Training quarterly in Kimberling City; follow the VOTO Facebook page for upcoming dates. For other upcoming area presentation opportunities and possible locations, contact the Taney County Health Department.