Suicide Prevention Training scheduled for October 24 in Waukon; RSVP to attend

A Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Suicide Prevention Training event is scheduled to take place Tuesday, October 24 in Waukon. Sponsored by MHT (Mental Health Today/Matt Howe Tribute), the event is planned to take place from 6-8 p.m. that October 24 evening at Iron Ridge Church at 512 9th Street SW in Waukon.

Mental Health Today (Matt Howe Tribute) is hosting Ryan Nesbit of Alive and Running for a free suicide prevention training. Nesbit is a certified trainer of QPR’s “industry leading approach to suicide prevention.” QPR, just like CPR, is an emergency response to someone in crisis and can save lives.

QPR is the most widely taught gatekeeper training in the world. During the nearly two-hour training course, Nesbit will cover how to ask the suicide Question, how to Persuade someone to get help, and how to Refer them to help. All attendees will take home a QPR booklet for future reference. He also covers statistics, warning signs, and openly shares about his own suicide loss and personal suicidal ideations that he’s experienced.

Nesbit - along with his high school friend, Troy Belmar - founded Alive & Running Iowa for Suicide Awareness and Prevention in 2009 in honor of their friend, Rodger, who they lost to suicide when they were sophomores at Dunkerton High School in 1991. Alive & Running Iowa began as a running event held annually in Dunkerton but has since grown into a non-profit organization to help raise awareness about suicide and suicide prevention.

Snacks and beverages will be served. Those wishing to attend are asked to RSVP at 563-794-1505.