QPR training being held Oct. 24, 26 in Monticello and Anamosa

     Foundation 2 and the Jones County Safe and Healthy Youth Coalition are collaborating and providing opportunities for the same suicide prevention training at two different times and locations in Jones County.

   The training is called QPR (Question, Persuade, and Refer), and it includes three simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide.

   The first opportunity is on Tuesday, Oct. 24, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Monticello Veterans Memorial Hall, 220 E. First St. The second opportunity is Thursday, Oct. 26, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Anamosa at the Lawrence Community Center, 600 E. Main St. There will be free pizza on Tuesday for dinner, and a complimentary sub lunch included on Thursday.

   Just as people trained in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help. Each year, thousands of Americans are saying “yes” to saving the life of a friend, colleague, sibling, or neighbor.

   QPR is a gatekeeper course. Gatekeepers can be anyone, but include parents, friends, neighbors, teachers, ministers, doctors, nurses, office supervisors, squad leaders, foremen, police officers, advisors, caseworkers, firefighters, and many others who are strategically positioned to recognize and refer someone at risk of suicide. As a QPR-trained gatekeeper, you will learn to: recognize the warning signs of suicide, know how to offer hope, and know how to get help and save a life.

   Teenagers 16 and up may attend with a trusted adult. Please register by Friday, Oct. 20, at jhusmann@asac.us or by calling 319-462-4327 ext. 661. Space is limited to 30 people per training.