Suicide prevention QPR Gatekeeper Training available

Thanks to a Purdue Parents Advisory Board "Big Give" Grant, Purdue's Advocacy & Support Center in the Office of the Dean of Students is joining more than 160 other colleges and universities in providing QPR Gatekeeper Training.

QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer -- three simple steps that anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. 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.

QPR can be learned in the Gatekeeper course in as little as two hours. Instructors will present, discuss and role-play scenarios until participants feel comfortable with the material. At the completion of the training, participants will obtain a certificate.

"It is key to empower the Purdue community to be able to recognize and assist individuals that may be struggling," says Julie Cox, associate dean of students. "Suicide is something that affects all walks of life and our hope is that if we provide good tools for people to keep in their toolbox for when these situations arise, we can all work to help Boilermakers get the help and support they need."

The Advocacy & Support Center will offering trainings on the following dates, all in Schleman Hall, Room B038:

* Wednesday, Sept. 16 -- 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
* Oct. 6 (T) -- 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
* Oct. 14 (W) -- 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
* Nov. 3 (T) -- 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
* Nov. 11 (W) -- 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Registration is available here. Due to the interactive format of the trainings, presentations have a 40-participant maximum. Sessions are primarily targeting faculty and staff, but students are welcome to attend.

To schedule a specific training date and time for an office or department, click here. Submit all requests at least two weeks before the event or program. The center will try to accommodate all requests, but be aware that availabilities might be limited on certain dates.

In addition, the Advocacy & Support Center offers a 30-minute presentation on the Advocacy and Support Center Services Overview and the Behavior Intervention Team (BIT)/Recognizing Students of Concern presentations. Complete the Presentation and Training Request Form to schedule an event. 

For more information, contact Julie Cox at 49-41747 or jtalz@purdue.edu.