Veterans of the Ozarks announce quarterly QPR training

The Veterans of the Ozarks is proud to announce the QPR Suicide Prevention Training date for the third quarter of 2026. The training will be conducted at the Kimberling City Elks Lodge, 37 Beach Blvd., Kimberling City, on Monday, July 27, 2026, starting at 6:30 p.m. 

With suicide rates remaining high among military veterans per the latest statistics, this training is a deep-felt issue among veterans seeking to help their peers, and is a strong part of the VOTO mission of connecting veterans to fellowship and resources. However, the issue is not limited to military veterans; likely there are many of us who interact daily with someone who may be at risk for self-harm, or are concerned about someone due to increasing isolation as formerly in-person socialization moves to digital platforms. Being trained to recognize the signs and initiate a positive interaction based on the “Question, Persuade, Refer” method just might make the difference and save a life. The QPR training includes practice in being observant and initiating an appropriate question. 

“This moment demands clarity, not comfort. Good intentions are not enough,” said a leading suicide awareness advocate in a recent article for Military.com. QPR training can help provide that clarity. 

As always, the training is absolutely free of charge and only lasts one hour, a small investment of time in terms of potential return. So mark your calendar now, plan to attend, and become certified as a Gatekeeper and join VOTO in waging war on suicide in Stone and Taney counties of Missouri. Contact Dave McAllister at 417-230-1283 with any questions, or email votoorg1@veteransoftheozarks.org.