Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Walworth County Health and Human Services.

Walworth County Health and Human Services, in collaboration with Lake Geneva Public Library, will host free QPR suicide prevention training for anyone over the age of 16. The free training will take place on Wednesday, March 22, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., at the Lake Geneva Public Library.

QPR—or Question, Persuade, Refer— teaches bystanders how to provide initial support to someone in need and gives them information on where they can find additional support. Just as people trained in CPR 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. QPR is a nationally recognized, evidence-based mental health intervention. Walworth County Health and Human Services trained more than 300 community members in QPR in 2022. 

 Reactions from past QPR training participants have been positive: “Becoming QPR trained made me feel confident in my ability to recognize when someone may need help and how I can assist them in a time of need. I would highly encourage as many people as possible to get trained in QPR. You never know when you will use these life-saving skills.”

 The Lake Geneva Public Library is located at 918 W. Main St. Lake Geneva. Space is limited; registration is not required but strongly encouraged. You may register by visiting https://bit.ly/3xb1EVK, emailing walcoph@co.walworth.wi.us, or calling (262)741-3200. If you are interested in bringing QPR to your organization, business, community group etc: please complete this inquiry form: https://bit.ly/3jHUkO4

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 for 24/7 crisis support, or chat at 988Lifeline.org to connect with a trained crisis counselor.