[LOCH SHELDRAKE, NY] Sullivan 180 will host a training for students, staff, community volunteers, youth workers and community health advocates to learn the fundamentals of QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer). The training will be taking place on February 27th from 3:45 – 5:45pm at SUNY Sullivan in Loch Sheldrake, led by Kristen Meyer, Community Health Champion Trainer for Sullivan 180. [

QPR is a life-saving intervention designed to help individuals recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and take action to prevent it. Similar to CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver, QPR is a set of emergency response techniques that anyone can learn to help save a life. QPR is a crucial program aimed at preventing suicide through early intervention and support. QPR equips individuals with the skills to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and take immediate action to help those in need. QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer – three simple steps that anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. Those trained in QPR learn how to:

1.      Question the individual about suicidal thoughts.

2.     Persuade the person to seek and accept help.

3.     Refer them to appropriate resources for support and treatment.

“According to the CDC suicide is the second leading cause of death in youth ages 12-24 in the US. Timely intervention can make a significant difference,” said Mylene Ortiz, Mental Health Manager at Sullivan 180. “QPR empowers newly trained Gatekeepers in Sullivan County to act swiftly and effectively, providing hope and support to those at risk. By recognizing the signs and knowing how to respond, we can collectively work towards reducing the incidence of suicide in our community.”

The 2024 Suicide Prevention Report issued by the Office of Mental Health states that over 73,209 trainings have been completed in NYS.  Studies have shown that QPR-trained gatekeepers exhibit increased knowledge, confidence, and skills in identifying and responding to individuals at risk of suicide.

To register for this training or to learn more about upcoming facilitator trainings, email Mylene@sullivan180.org.