QPR and/or C-SSRS Suicide Prevention Training

Learn how to Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) AND/OR the Columbia - Suicide Severity Rating Scale Screener (C-SSRS).

QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer, a 2-hour training that teaches 3 simple steps that anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. Just as people trained in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, 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. Each year thousands of Americans, like you, are saying "Yes" to saving the life of a youth, friend, colleague, sibling, or neighbor.

The C-SSRS/"The Columbia" is a few simple questions about suicidal thoughts and behavior that empower communities, families and individuals to find people who are at risk and prevent tragedies before they happen. It tells the user whether a next step is needed, and provides setting-specific recommendations for how to help someone stay safe from suicide.

• Simple: You can ask as few as three to six questions, with no mental health training required to ask them.

• Effective: Experience shows that the scale uniquely identifies those who would otherwise be missed.

• Efficient: Use of the scale redirects resources to where they are needed most, preventing unnecessary interventions that are often costly, traumatic, and lead to disengagement from the needed care. The C-SSRS provides evidence-based thresholds to connect those at risk to the right level of care.

• The Most Evidence-Supported: The scale originated in a NIMH treatment study, and generated an unprecedented amount of research that validates the questions.

• Free: The screener is available at no cost.

PLEASE NOTE: You can attend just the QPR portion of the training (1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.), just the C-SSRS portion of the training (3:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.), or the entire training to learn about both (1:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.). This training will be held at the Carnegie Public Library of Steuben County in Meeting Room 1. Please provide your own drinks/snacks. 

If you have any questions or concerns, contact ssnei@dacac.org.