QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer - Suicide Prevention Program
QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) provides the life saving skills necessary to effectively and directly ask someone if they are suicidal, persuade them to get help and refer them to the appropriate professional. The State of Tennessee and the University of Tennessee have adopted QPR for training in suicide prevention and education.
Psychological autopsies of individual who committed suicide show that they did communicate, subtly or overtly, to people in their lives about their thoughts of suicide, but usually didn't seek mental health services. Due to the sensitive nature of the issue, people often are afraid to broach the topic for fear of saying the wrong thing.
QPR training takes 60 minutes. Participants can expect to learn the warning signs for depression and suicidal ideation, how to ask someone if they are considering suicide and how and where to refer someone for help.
Role-playing situations are used to practice asking the tough questions about suicide.
Family, friends, teachers, clergy and colleagues are in prime positions to help a person in distress. All QPR participants are provided a card and a booklet that outline the information necessary for intervening with a suicidal person, including local referral options. This training is a valuable resource for anyone and may help to save a life.
An updated list of upcoming QPR presentations will be available in the Fall.
Pre-booked sessions for groups can be arranged. Just email Dr. Connie Briscoe (briscoe@utk.edu) or Dr. Marci Burroughs (mburroug@utk.edu).