[OKC] Ask a Question, Save a Life: QPR Suicide Prevention Training
![[OKC] Ask a Question, Save a Life: QPR Suicide Prevention Training](https://assets-002.noviams.com/novi-file-uploads/okcnp/events/image-15-1-1-1-1-1-1.png)
QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer, three simple steps that anyone can take to help save a life from suicide. Often referred to as the mental health version of CPR, this interactive training equips participants with practical skills to recognize common warning signs of suicide, confidently engage in supportive conversations, and connect individuals to appropriate resources.
QPR is a nationally recognized, evidence-based approach designed for anyone, no clinical background required. 99% of attendees who complete a post-training evaluation tell us they would refer QPR to others.
What You’ll Learn:
- Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States, yet is often preventable
- How to recognize common warning signs of suicide, as well as identify potential risk factors and behavioral clues
- How to ask direct, supportive questions
- How to offer hope and respond with confidence and care
- How to connect individuals to local and national resources
- Strategies to help keep someone safe including conversation about safety planning, protective factors, and ways to limit access to lethal means
Who Should Attend:
- Nonprofit partners
- Service providers
- Human resources professionals
- Supervisors and people in leadership roles
- Community at large
- Participants must be 18 or older
Training Details:
- Format: Available as an in-person or virtual training utilizing PowerPoint
- Preferred minimum group size - 10 participants
- Virtual trainings are limited to a maximum of 25 participants
- Time: Trainings take approximately 75 minutes to complete depending on how actively the group engages in Q&A and interactive dialogue
- Provided by Mental Health Association Oklahoma – www.mhaok.org
- Instructor: QPR is taught by a Certified QPR Gatekeeper Trainer who has completed the required curriculum as outlined by the QPR Institute
- Provided resources: QPR course materials, national and Oklahoma referral resources
Why This Matters:
Suicide prevention is a shared responsibility.
Oklahoma has a long history of being among the top 10 states for suicide loss annually. For ages 10-34, it is the second leading cause of death in our state. For every person who dies by suicide, an estimated 35 more will make an attempt. The emotional toll is devastating, and the ripple effect across connected individuals, as well as the financial impact and disruption to related businesses can be significant. By increasing awareness, reducing stigma, and building skills across our community, we can create stronger support systems and ensure individuals receive help when they need it most.
Karen LaPlante got her start in the nonprofit world when she joined the staff of Mental Health Association Oklahoma in 2002. With a background in marketing, corporate communications and television news, she’s served in a number of leadership roles at MHAOK over the years including media relations, community outreach, and oversite of the annual Zarrow Mental Health Symposium.
Her true passion and primary focus for the Association these days is suicide prevention. Karen took her first QPR training over 20 years ago from the founder of the QPR Institute, Dr. Paul Quinnett. She was so inspired by the technique she went on to become a certified trainer and in 2021 achieved Master Level Trainer Certification from the QPR Institute.
In addition to supporting the nonprofit community, Karen’s other big heartstring is veterans and military families. She served over 5 years on the Oklahoma Governor’s Challenge team, part of an ongoing national initiative convened by SAMHSA and the VA to End Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans and Military Families. Over the years Karen has shared the QPR technique hundreds of times through trainings across the state and has empowered thousands of people to Ask a Question, Save a Life. As Karen often shares, “If I can do this technique, so can you. All you have to do is care enough to ask.”