Suicide prevention training in the holiday season

PRESS RELEASE
November 16, 2012

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO – For most people, the holidays are a wonderful time of the year full of family and hope. However, for those struggling with depression, the holidays can create increased feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and loss.

The Garfield County Suicide Prevention Coalition and the Aspen Hope Center are offering two QPR classes for the community in Garfield County. 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 cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the Heimlich maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help.

Each year, thousands of Americans are able to save the life of a friend, colleague, sibling, or neighbor by identifying the person’s risk for suicide and getting help for him or her. Chances are high that any person will encounter a situation involving someone exhibiting signs of depression or suicide. In as little as one hour, QPR training provides participants with professional training on what to say and what to do in such tense and serious situations.

QPR will be offered in Glenwood Springs on Tuesday, November 27, at 6:00 pm, in the Garfield County Commissioners Hearing Room, 108 8th Street, and in Rifle, on Thursday, November 29, at 6:00 pm, at the Rifle Branch Library, at 207 East Avenue.

For more information, please call Garfield County Public Health at 970-319-3430 or email Public Health.