QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer — Three simple steps that anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. Just as people trained in CPR help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help. According to the Surgeon General’s National Strategy for Suicide Prevention (2001), a gatekeeper is someone in a position to recognize a crisis and the warning signs that someone may be contemplating suicide. Gatekeepers include parents, friends, neighbors, teachers, ministers, doctors, nurses, office supervisors, squad leaders, foremen, police officers, advisors, caseworkers, firefighters, and many others who are strategically positioned to recognize and refer someone at risk of suicide. Two identical classes are being offered: 1:00 to 2:30 pm and 6:30-8:00 pm in Room 8 at the Commons. The class is free, but donations will be gladly accepted to help cover the cost of the materials. Call Alice at 541-547-4599 for more information.

As a QPR-trained Gatekeeper you will learn to:

• recognize the warning signs of suicide
• know how to offer hope
• know how to get help and save a life