Over the past few years, the Needham community has experienced several suicides that have impacted the town on many levels. To address this issue, the Needham Suicide Prevention Coalition is offering a program entitled “QPR — Question, Persuade, Refer.” This program was created by Paul Quinnett, Ph.D. and is modeled after the success of the CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) medical intervention.

QPR is known as a gatekeeper training, and according to the Surgeon General’s National Strategy for Suicide Prevention, “key gatekeepers” are “people who regularly come into contact with individuals or families in distress.” Gatekeeper training has been identified as one of a number of promising prevention strategies. View an Evaluation Compilation completed by participants in a recent QPR Training facilitated by the Needham Youth Services (formerly known as Needham Youth Commission).

Trainings are one hour in length. QPR is based upon the several basic concepts including:

·        The notion that those who most need help in a suicidal crisis are the least likely to ask for it.

·        The person most likely to prevent a person dying by suicide is someone they already know.

·        Prior to making a suicide attempt, a person typically sends warning signs of his or her distress and suicidal intent to those nearby.

·        When we solve the problems people kill themselves to solve, the reasons for suicide disappear. 

View the 2012/2013 QPR Worskhop Flyer

Watch the Needham Channel's Newscast About QPR Suicide Prevention Tranings

Click here for program and registration information
         
Suicide and Depression Information

 

                    If you are interested in a free QPR training for your group, 
                   please contact Jon Mattleman at 781-455-7500 x265

                                or at