In addition to its tremendous support for the Westerville City School District’s new “Hope Squad” suicide prevention initiative, the Westerville Education Challenge (WEC) organization is launching a community education component open to anyone interested in acquiring the skills needed to help prevent suicide as well as learn more about mental health. Upon being trained in the “Question, Persuade and Refer” (QPR) technique, participants will learn:
-
How to question, persuade and refer someone who may be suicidal;
-
How to get help for yourself or learn more about preventing suicide;
-
The common causes of suicidal behavior;
-
The warning signs of suicide; and
-
How to get help for someone in crisis.
Future training opportunities will be made available through the Youth Mental Health First Aid program of the National Council for Behavioral Health. Participants will learn how to identify, understand and respond to signs of disorders in youth ages 6-18 who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem. By following the simple action plan they will learn, participants gain the confidence to reach out and provide initial support to youth displaying common signs and symptoms of mental illness in this age group, including:
-
Anxiety and Depression;
-
Eating disorders;
-
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD);
-
Substance use; and
-
Trauma, addiction and self-care and the impact of social media and bullying.
Initial QPR training dates are available on February 12, 2021, as well as March 12 while YMHFA will be offered on March 19, 2021. Future sessions to be added monthly. For more information about this initiative or to register for a virtual training session, sign up here.