QPR training sponsored by Human Resources – Benefits as part of Mental Health Action Week

As part of Mental Health Action Week (MHAW), which runs today through Friday (March 1-5), Human Resources – Benefits is sponsoring 20 employees to become QPR certified instructors via the QPR Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training. QPR stands for Question, Persuade, Refer – three steps that can help save a life from suicide.

According to the QPR Institute, 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. According to the institute, the more people trained in QPR, the more lives saved.

Employees who are interested in taking part in the QPR training instructor course should complete the application by March 12. Those selected to participate will be notified by March 26 and should plan for an all-day training session that will take place this summer; the exact training date has yet to be determined.

In addition, the goal is for those who complete the training to then hold QPR trainings of groups of up to 30 individuals at a time. This will increase the number of individuals on campus who are trained to help prevent suicide. The expectation will be for each certified instructor to teach a minimum of two to three classes per year. On the student side of campus, student organizations are working to ensure that as many students as possible also receive QPR training.

“We are proud to once again join forces with Purdue Student Government for MHAW,” says Candace Shaffer, senior director of benefits in Human Resources. “Ensuring that employees have the opportunity to complete QPR training is another important step in the University’s commitment to providing resources to assist with mental health needs. This training will allow us to put at least 20 new QPR instructors within the Purdue community who will have the tools needed to make a positive difference in the lives of those around them, on campus and off.”

More information

• To learn more about QPR training, see the QPR Institute website.
• Questions about the employee-sponsored QPR training as part of MHAW can be directed to Human Resources at 765-494-2222, toll-free at 877-725-0222 or via email at hr@purdue.edu.