[Liberty, NY] In an effort to promote prevention programming and engage community volunteers, Sullivan 180 will host two upcoming train-the-trainer opportunities for individuals interested in positively impacting health in Sullivan County. 

The first program, “The Basics Sullivan Leader Training” will be held on July 19th from 2-4pm at the Liberty United Methodist Church at 170 Main St. in Liberty. The training, co-led with Maternal Infant Services Network Inc. (MISN) will teach individuals how to lead a Basics early parenting series at their local library, school, daycare, house of worship or other community center. 

“We have learned that 80% of brain growth happens by the age of three; and that young brains develop like little muscles, getting bigger and stronger with each interaction,” said Amanda Langseder, Managing Director at Sullivan 180. “By growing the Basics movement, we can help more children arrive to pre-school with the skills they need to succeed.”

The Basics principles include: maximize love, manage stress; talk, sing & point; count, group and compare; explore through movement and play; read and discuss stories. Participants who complete the training will receive a complementary Basics Sullivan tote bag complete with the curriculum and everything they need to start their group. More information on The Basics can be found at www.thebasics.org

The second opportunity is for those who wish to become certified trainers for the QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Suicide Prevention Program. Through a full day training on Monday August 7th, perspective QPR Trainers will learn how to lead QPR Gatekeeper workshops in the community. After the program, trainers will be able to teach others how to identify suicide warning signs and to engage three life-saving skills: Question the person about suicide. Persuade the person to get help. Refer the person to the appropriate resources.

The QPR Train the Trainer will be held at Sullivan 180; and led by a certified Master QPR Trainer Jill Holland. The training is valued at $500 but is being offered free of charge to just ten individuals across Sullivan. A deposit and interest form is required to secure a spot. More information on QPR can be found at www.qprinstitute.com.

“Changing the health of Sullivan County requires many community health champion leaders that can step up and share their knowledge and compassion,” Langseder added. If you are interested in building a healthy community, one degree at a time by leading either a Basics Sullivan parenting group or a QPR suicide prevention program, contact Sullivan 180. Space is very limited in both of these train-the-trainer opportunities. More information can be found at www.sullivan180.org or by calling 845-295-2680. 

Sullivan 180 is working to build a healthy community, one degree at a time, through people, places and policy with support from Bold Gold Media Group, The River Reporter, The Sullivan County Democrat, Manor Ink and WJFF Radio Catskill. Learn more at Sullivan180.org or Facebook.com/Sullivan180inc.