What is QPR?

QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer— the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. QPR saves lives and reduces suicidal behaviors by providing innovative, practical, and proven suicide prevention training. We believe that quality education empowers all people, regardless of their background, to make a positive difference in the life of someone they know.

Ask A Question, Save A Life.

Just as people trained in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help. Each year thousands of Americans, like you, are saying "Yes" to saving the life of a friend, colleague, sibling, or neighbor.

QPR can be learned in our Gatekeeper course in as little as one hour.

What will I learn?

  • Myths and Facts about Suicide

  • Suicide clues and Warning signs

    • Direct verbal clues

    • Indirect verbal  clues

    • Behavioral clues

    • Situational clues

  • Tips and Examples of how to ask/Talk to someone who is suicidal or in crisis

    • Less direct approaches

    • More direct approaches

  • How not to ask the question

  • How to persuade someone to stay alive

    • How to offer hope

    • How to make a difference by listening

  • What to do if they don’t want help

    • Getting others involved (Trusted adults, school counselors, parents, teachers, etc.)

    • Staying with the person

    • Taking the person directly to someone who can help

  • Referral options

    • Taking the person directly to someone who can help

    • Getting a commitment from them to accept help or make arrangements

    • Give referral information or faith commitment not to complete or attempt suicide

  • Resources in McHenry County

QPR Suicide Prevention training applies to anyone no matter your background. NAMI of McHenry County (NAMI MCH)  has trained over 3,000 students as young as 5th grade. Everyone has mental health, this training is not only designed to help someone who is suicidal, but it also applies to assist anyone struggling with mental health. When students apply QPR they plant seeds of hope. Hope helps prevent suicide.

Please get in touch with education@namimch.org, if you have any questions or concerns

Meet our Instructors

  • Laura Crain

    Best Communities & The BREAK

  • Gerald Schalk

    Fox River Grove Fire Protection District

  • Holly Puchner

    McHenry County College

  • Edith Sanchez, BSW

    NAMI of McHenry County

  • Tania Vesselinova

    Student at Loyola University

  • Suzanne Martinez

    Advocate Good Shepherd

  • McKayla Babcock, BSW

    NAMI of McHenry County, MSW Student at Aurora University

  • Nicole O'Dea, LCSW

    Center for Emotional Wellness

  • Tami Broskow, LCSW; PEL:SSW

    Huntley High School Social Worker

  • Deputy Chief Tiffany Decker

    Lake in the Hills Police Department

  • Elena Galarza

    Community Health Partnership Clinic

  • Brian McCullum, LCPC

  • Cathy Saso

  • Grace Hammond, BSW

    MSW Student at Aurora University

  • Don Talend

  • Dr. Melissa Katz, Psy. D

    Center for Emotional Wellness