The QPR mission is to reduce suicidal behaviors and save lives by providing innovative, practical and proven suicide prevention training. The signs of crisis are all around us. We believe that quality education empowers all people, regardless of their background, to make a positive difference in the life of someone they know.

Suicide rates are high for certain audiences, senior aged individuals are at high risk. The FCS Agent attended a meeting with a group of seniors who have lost their spouses and introduced them to the QPR program.

QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer — the 3 simple steps 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 friend, colleague, sibling, or neighbor.

This group is a support group for widows and widowers who meet regularly to socialize and fellowship with one another. This group, The Caring Friends, invite the FCS Agent annually to provide an educational component to their meeting. In September of 2024, The FCS Agent empowered this group of people to save a life by training them on QPR.

This program was impactful in many ways for this particular audience. Several participants expressed their apprehension for discussing suicide in general. It's understandable, it's a hard subject to chat about. After the program, participants shared how they feel less uncomfortable with the idea of talking about suicide in general. They expressed feeling empowered instead of hopeless and helpless. All participants received a QPR handbook and list of mental health service providers for the area.