Free QPR Training Available to Public To Help Prevent Suicide

QPR (Question. Persuade. Refer.) is a three-step, evidence-based exercise anyone can learn to help prevent suicide, and one local QPR training per week will be held in September as part of National Suicide Prevention Month. These free trainings, each 90 minutes, are sponsored by the Stark County Suicide Prevention Coalition and members of the general public are encouraged to attend – registration is required and there is no cost.

Elena Aslanides-Kandis, Suicide and Community Response Coordinator  and Allyson Rey, Director of Marketing, Communications & Community Relations with with StarkMHAR, joined Gary Rivers Tuesday morning to talk about this important topic.

In addition to the QPR training, StarkMHAR also invited listeners to participate in the Mindfulness Walk at Petros Lake Park – 3519 Perry Dr. SW, Canton.

This 1-mile walk is open to anyone wishing to increase awareness around suicide in our community. Walkers could be supporting someone who lost someone by suicide, a survivor of a suicide attempt, those who work in the field of suicide prevention, or anyone experiencing any other connection to suicide. All attendees will receive a suicide awareness pin, as well as a special candle to use on Sept. 10, which is World Suicide Prevention Day. On that day, people worldwide are encouraged to wear purple by day and light a candle in a window at night.

Hear the Interview

About Stark County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery

Stark County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery is a multi-faceted organization of expert professionals, dedicated volunteers and concerned community leaders close to mental health and addiction needs right here at home. StarkMHAR is responsible for planning, funding and monitoring public mental health and addiction prevention, early intervention and treatment services delivered to the residents of Stark County. It is one of approximately 50 boards coordinating the public behavioral health system across Ohio. StarkMHAR also advocates for residents with behavioral health issues at both the local and state levels and provides educational opportunities for local providers and other community stakeholders. For more online about the work of StarkMHAR, visit www.StarkMHAR.org.