According to the Centers for Disease Control, someone dies by suicide every eleven minutes in the United States. In 2020, an estimated 12.2 million American adults seriously thought about suicide, 3.2 million planned a suicide attempt, and 1.2 million attempted suicide. Suicide is among the top nine leading causes of death for people ages 10-64. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-14 and 25-34.
Many of us have are familiar with CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) which was created to assist those who might not be breathing or experiencing cardiac arrest, until they can obtain proper medical care. QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) was created as an emergency mental health intervention to assist suicidal persons. Both CPR and QPR are designed to increase the chance of survival in the event of a crisis.
How can you help? By Becoming a QPR-trained Gatekeeper. A gatekeeper is someone in a position to recognize a crisis and the warning signs that someone may be contemplating suicide. As a result of completing QPR training, you will be able to recognize the warning signs, know how to offer hope, and know how to get help and save a life. As with any illness, early detection and treatment can result in better outcomes.
Ohio State University Extension, Darke County is offering a QPR Gatekeeper Class from 6:30pm to 8:30pm, March 20, 2023, at Darke Rural Electric, 1120 Fort Jefferson Avenue, Greenville. Due to the sensitivity of the material being covered, participants must be 18 years old or older. Class size is limited to 20. There is a $10 fee which covers all materials and light refreshments. Register online at go.osu.edu/23darkeqpr. Direct any questions to OSU Extension, Darke County, 937.548.5215.
Each year thousands of Americans, like you, are saying “Yes” to saving the life of a friend, colleague, sibling, or neighbor.