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Colonial SD to host QPR suicide prevention gatekeeper training Feb. 18; free and open to the public
Summary
The district will host a QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) gatekeeper course for parents and community members on Feb. 18 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the high school library; training is free, includes community partners and offers child care provided by IB student volunteers.
The Curriculum Committee heard details of an upcoming QPR suicide prevention gatekeeper training scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 18, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Plymouth-Whitemarsh High School library.
District staff said the training will be delivered by a representative from Access Services (a crisis prevention provider) in partnership with the Montgomery County Suicide Prevention Task Force, district behavioral health staff and Aldersgate Services (the district's Student Assistance Program provider). Doctor Felix Scherzinger, the district's behavioral health advisor, will attend and provide context on district mental health initiatives.
Staff said the QPR method (Question, Persuade, Refer) teaches participants to recognize warning signs, offer immediate support and direct people to professional care; organizers compared QPR to CPR as an emergency intervention. The session is free; the district will provide free child care staffed by International Baccalaureate student volunteers so parents may attend. Because the subject matter can be sensitive, Aldersgate staff will be available for attendees who need immediate emotional support.
Organizers said registration was open and that the training capacity is about 20 participants; 12 people had registered at the time of the Feb. 10 presentation. District staff said resources are available on the district website and that families unable to attend could contact the district for assistance or referral to community partners.
No formal committee action was required; the presentation was informational and intended to increase community participation in the training.
