QPR Suicide Prevention Course: Saving Lives in Illinois with Proven Training

Suicide prevention courses are being held at Franciscan Health hospitals in Northwest Indiana and Chicago’s South Suburbs. These courses, known as the “Question, Persuade, and Refer” or QPR Suicide Prevention Courses, are designed to save lives and reduce suicidal behaviors by providing practical and proven suicide prevention training.

The suicide rate in the United States has been steadily increasing over the years, with nearly 50,000 Americans taking their own lives in 2022. In Illinois, suicide is the 11th leading cause of death, resulting in over 1,000 deaths each year according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. Among young Illinois adults aged 15-34, suicide is the third leading cause of death.

The QPR Institute emphasizes that individuals trained in QPR can recognize warning signs of a suicide crisis and learn how to question, persuade and refer someone to help. To this end, Franciscan Health Olympia Fields will be hosting a course on May 20 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Central at their auditorium located at 20201 S. Crawford Ave., where attendees can enter through the main entrance and registration is required. Those interested in registering should contact Franciscan Health Community Health Improvement Director Danielle Crowder at [email protected]