St. Marys, Pa. — May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Penn State Extension Educators, in collaboration with the Cameron/Elk Suicide Prevention Task Force, will lead a training, “Question, Persuade and Refer,” developed by the QPR Institute. Participants can learn to recognize warning signs of suicide in friends, coworkers, family members, or neighbors in need.

This in-person workshop will be held from 6 to 8 pm on May 8, 2024, at the Shiloh Presbyterian Church Education Center, 217 Washington Street, St. Marys, PA 15857.

Designed for all people, regardless of profession, who are concerned about helping others, QPR is an emergency mental health intervention intended to interrupt a crisis and direct someone to proper care. Attendees will discuss potential scenarios and engage in active listening and persuasion techniques.

Participants can learn:

• How to recognize the warning signs of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
• How to ask direct or less direct questions to someone having suicidal thoughts.
• How to learn to practice active listening.
• How to persuade someone to go for help.
• How to refer someone to appropriate help.

More information is available on the Penn State Extension website at https://extension.psu.edu/qpr-gatekeeper-suicide-prevention-training or call 1-877-345-0691. Walk-ins are welcome to attend.