Suicide prevention seems like a daunting, serious task. However, preventing suicides is something anyone--who is trained--can do. With that, Student Counseling Services and Housing and Residence Life are partnering up to offer QPR training sessions on Tuesday, Sept. 25.

Two sessions will be available at 12-2 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the Blazer Hall RLC. T-shirts or cups are provided when the attendee completes training.

What is QPR? QPR stands for Question, Persuade, Refer. QPR training provides each attendee with the tools they need to identify suicide ideation, according to Student Counseling Services. Once training is completed, attendees will receive a certificate and be a certified “gatekeeper.” Gatekeepers recognize warning signs, offer hope and know how to save lives.

Training programs like QPR emphasize the need for early recognition of suicidal thoughts. Student Counseling Services saw an immediate benefit from previous training sessions. There is now an increase of gatekeepers on campus to help fellow students in need. If you can’t make the sessions listed above, check out the Student Counseling Services website to sign up for later events offered throughout the school year for different groups and departments.       

To learn more about QPR Suicide Gatekeeper Certification, contact Sherilyn Garner at garners7@uab.edu and visit the Mental Health Matters page here. For more information on the impact and severity of suicide, check out this link to UAB News article regarding suicide.