Free suicide prevention class offered

The Sweetwater County Prevention Coalition is offering a free QPR suicide prevention class next Tuesday.

“QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer, which are the steps used to help someone at risk for suicide stay alive and get professional help,” according to a press release.

“What would you do if you thought that someone in your life was considering suicide?” the press release asked. “Would you know how to spot the warning signs? What to ask them? What to do if they answer yes, that they are thinking about ending their life? Our free QPR Gatekeeper training provides answers to these questions.”

QPR gatekeepers are trained to recognize the warning signs of suicide and ask about them, know how to offer hope and persuade the person to stay alive, and know how to refer the person to professional help.

“No matter your occupation or background, you can become a QPR gatekeeper and save lives,” the press release said.

The training will take place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 13, in room 3650 at Western Wyoming Community College. The room can be found by entering the college by the tennis courts and going upstairs to the third floor. The training is free but participants are asked to fill out a brief form online to register, or they can contact the Sweetwater County Prevention Coalition at (307) 352-6677 or email sweetwatercoprevention@gmail.com.

If you are or someone you know is currently considering suicide, call or text the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline.