The Observer

  Between 2002 and 2006,Waukesha County reported 140 deaths from suicide. QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer. QPR is a new training program looking to be implemented at UW-Waukesha to aid in the prevention of suicide. “This is not meant to be a treatment or to take the place of counseling,” says Michelle Downey, it is simply meant to teach people about suicide. Through QPR training program those involved learn about the myths of suicide, warning signs, and what to do if you suspect that someone is suicidal.

  Currently, this QPR program is still in its trial stages, but in the future may be used to teach faculty and students about suicide. If you have questions about suicide you can call 211, which is a 24/7 Waukesha helpline for concerns about mental health, emotional support, and a source of information. You can either call 1-800-SUICIDE, or make an appointment with Amy Walker who is a personal counselor at UW-Waukesha.