Upcoming workshop to focus on suicide prevention

The Center for Healthy Living at the West Lafayette campus is offering a suicide prevention workshop on Oct. 10 to raise awareness and educate individuals on how they can identify and support those in need.

Suicide is an important public health issue in today's society. While significant attention is given to the topic during September, which is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, there is a need for information to be shared continuously throughout the year. See the recent Purdue Today article that outlines how the Center for Healthy Living provides suicide prevention support and resources.

According to a report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in April 2016, suicide is increasing and is currently one of the 10 leading causes of death overall. The CDC explained that although there had been a period of nearly consistent decline in suicide rates in the United States from 1986 through 1999, suicide rates have increased almost steadily from 1999 through 2014. While suicide among adolescents and young adults is increasing and among the leading causes of death for those demographic groups, suicide among middle-age adults is also rising.

In an effort to support those in need and their family and friends, Lindsey Millburg, a licensed social worker at the center who is also certified in therapeutic crisis intervention as well as being a Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) instructor, will lead the upcoming workshop. QPR is a program that teaches skills to recognize signs and symptoms of suicide and how to persuade and refer that person to get help.

The objectives of the course include educating participants on how to recognize the warning signs of suicide, offer hope in any form and get help and save a life.

"It's important for someone to register and attend to learn more about suicide warning signs and triggers and to reduce the negative stigma attached to seeking treatment and talking about suicide," Millburg says. "The QPR Institute says QPR is much like CPR in that both are parts of a system designed to increase the chance of survival in the event of a crisis. Both teach you ways to intervene early so the person is more likely to survive and follow through with appropriate treatment."

The workshop will meet from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Oct. 10 in Stewart Center, Room 313. Register by Oct. 6 by calling 49-45505.

Center for Healthy Living programs and workshops are free for benefits-eligible faculty and staff and for spouses/same-sex domestic partners covered on a Purdue medical plan. Adult dependents covered on a Purdue medical plan as well as benefits-eligible employees who have opted out of a Purdue medical plan also can attend free of charge.

The center offers extended hours -- open 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday -- to better serve patients. Lab hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. For medical consultation after hours or on weekends, please contact the Anthem NurseLine at 888-279-5449 for assistance.