INDIANAPOLIS — As the number of Americans attempting to take their own lives continues to climb, mental health advocates are teaching people live saving measures.
"QPR stands for Question, Persuade, Refer," David Berman, of Mental Health America of Indiana, said. "CPR is deigned to keep someone alive, until professionals get there. QPR is very similar. The intent is to keep people alive when they are thinking about suicide until they can get professional help."
QPR works to teach people the warning signs of someone who is having suicidal thoughts and how to respond.
Berman says the QPR training is a necessity. The free training sessions teach people how to become what he calls "active bystanders," or someone who does something about a problem when they see it.
"I always say it boils down to one thing: Do you know people? If you know people then you should be QPR trained," Berman said.
Taylor Morton took the class and says she was surprised to learn how high the rates of mental heath issues and suicide are in black and brown communities.
"People who look like me are not even being treated by this because nobody even knows that they need that help," Morton said.
The QPR training is free and open to everyone, but organizers ask you call and let them know you are coming so they can reserve a seat for you.
The next training will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at 1431 N. Delaware St. in downtown Indianapolis.
To reserve a seat at the training, you can call 317-221-0916.
If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs immediate attention, call. You can reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
