Franciscan Health Olympia Fields hosting suicide prevention courses

Franciscan Health Olympia Fields is presenting a variety of free suicide prevention courses in February and March, all aimed at saving lives.

The entry-level question, persuade and refer, or QPR Suicide Prevention Course, is based on a curriculum developed by the QPR Institute. The course aims to save lives and reduce suicidal behaviors by providing innovative, practical and proven suicide prevention training.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, with one suicide taking place every 11 minutes. According to the QPR Institute, 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.

Franciscan Health Olympia Fields is presenting the first QPR Suicide Prevention Course from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Central on Thursday, Feb. 19 at Franciscan Health Olympia Fields, GME 1, at 20201 S. Crawford Ave.

The second QPR course will take place from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Central on Thursday, March 26 in The Learning Center 1 Classroom at Franciscan Health Olympia Fields.

The hospital is also hosting a safeTALK course from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Central on Monday, March 9 in The Learning Center Classroom 1. Registration is due by March 5. The half day training focuses on suicide alertness, helping recognize a person with thoughts of suicide and connecting them with resources who can help them in choosing to live. Participants don’t need any formal preparation to attend the training – anyone age 15 or older who wants to make a difference can learn the safeTALK steps.

Franciscan Health Olympia Fields is also hosting the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, March 30 and Tuesday, March 31. LivingWorks Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is a two-day workshop designed for members of all caregiver communities.

Family, friends and other community members may be the first to talk with a person at risk but have little or no training. ASIST can provide that training while also helping those in formal helping roles with professional development to ensure they are prepared to provide suicide first aid as part of the care they provide.

Participants must attend both sessions. The ASIST course will take place in GME 1 and 2 at the hospital. Registration is required by March 26.

The courses are free, but registration is required. To register and for more information, please contact Franciscan Health Community Health Improvement Coordinator Shelby Beasley at Shelby.Beasley@franciscanalliance.org or (219) 228-1037.

Please note: If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide or a mental health crisis, call the National Suicide Hotline at 988.