Learn To Prevent Suicides At Avon Program This Week

AVON, CT — A free training program in Avon will teach residents how to recognize warning signs of suicide and help connect someone in crisis with potentially lifesaving resources.

A QPR — "Question, Persuade, Refer" — workshop will be held Wednesday, Sept. 23, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Community Room at the Avon Free Public Library.

The 90-minute training will be led by Justine Ginsberg, a registered nurse and community health coordinator and program director with the Farmington Valley Health District.

QPR teaches three steps intended to help participants recognize possible warning signs of suicide, ask someone about their situation, encourage them to seek help, and refer them to appropriate resources.

The program is designed for community members rather than only health professionals.

Parents, caregivers, veterans, educators, teenagers, and others interested in learning suicide prevention skills are invited to attend.

Organizers compare the concept to CPR and the Heimlich maneuver, with the goal of giving ordinary community members practical skills they can use when someone may be in crisis.

Participants will learn how to recognize warning signs, offer hope, and help connect someone with appropriate assistance.

The workshop is free.

For more information, click on this link.