YSB to offer suicide prevention training June 23

The Youth Services Bureau will be hosting a Question, Persuade and Refer (QPR) training on June 23 from 3 to 5 p.m. This free suicide prevention training will be held at the Youth Services Bureau,1344 Maple Drive.

Participants will learn local and state statistics, myths and facts, warning signs and risk factors, local resources and more.

“This training is geared for family members, friends, pastors and others who want to learn more about this critical issue,” said Crystal Kish, QPR instructor. The QPR training will provide participants with the following information:

• The extent of the problem on a state and national level
• Common myths and facts associated with suicide
• Warning signs and risk factors
• Methods for persuading suicidal individuals to receive help
• Ways to refer at-risk people to local resources

“This is a topic most do not want to deal with or even acknowledge,” added Kish. “Sadly, however, suicide will likely touch the majority of families in Huntington County in some way. It is important we know the facts and are able to help provide support to those who are under the belief suicide is the only answer to whatever they are dealing with.”

Funding for the classes are provided by Parkview Huntington Hospital Community Improvement funding. To learn more about the training or suicide prevention activities in Huntington County contact the Youth Services Bureau.

Space for the program is limited. To register, call the YSB at (260) 356-9681. Online registrations can be sent to Crystal Kish at c.kish@ysbofhuntingtonco.org.