Students receive QPR Training at Dodson School

On January 13th, Dodson Public School trained 44 students in a suicide prevention program called QPR or Question, Persuade, Refer. Reserve Deputy Sheriff for Roosevelt County, Frederick Lee, drove from Laurel, Mont., to Dodson, Mont., to train these students, as well as the local community members on suicide prevention.

The QPR Institute’s mission is to reduce suicidal behaviors and save lives by providing innovative, practical, and proven suicide prevention training. It was founded by Paul Quinnett in 1995 for emergency mental health training, and is accredited through SAMHSA’s National Registry of Evidence Based Programs and Practices. It also partners with Hope Squad to increase and improve nationwide suicide prevention.

Individuals trained in QPR within Dodson are now referred to as Gatekeepers, meaning they are equipped to “recognize a crisis and the warning signs that someone may be contemplating suicide.” Throughout the training, Gatekeepers learn skills that include recognizing warning signs, knowing how to offer hope; and how to get help and save a life. The course focuses on early warning signs and effective response.

Feedback from the students and staff alike was all very supportive and 100% of the students' feedback showed they thought it was needed and beneficial to them. “It’s terrible when we lose someone because of suicide, it hurts in a different way” responded one student. Another went on to say “I believe we would not have a suicide problem like we do if everyone knew these tools. Today was an opportunity to be better.”

Dodson school has made some massive strides in trying to reduce the prevalence of suicide within their community. In December, all of the staff was trained in QPR from the state Suicide Prevention Coordinator, Karl Rosston via a virtual format. Mr. Gary Weitz, the Dodson School Superintendent, commented on that topic during the training, stating ,“There seems to be somewhat of a disparity in Montana about suicide prevention and awareness. Many recognize it’s a problem, but few want to talk about it. We are going to end that way of thinking in Dodson. Our community deserves it and our youth want for a better, happier future.”

Montana is third in leading the nation with sucide rates according, to the newest data collected from http://www.cdc.gov, and Phillips County youth are being affected. By training students in QPR, they are more prepared to handle and address suicidal thoughts or intentions among themselves and their peers.

If local schools, organizations or businesses would like to organize a free QPR training, either virtually or in person, feel free to reach out to the Phillips County Prevention Specialist Katrena at 406-942-2013 or [email protected]. Remember, depression is treatable and suicide is preventable. Stay healthy Phillips County.