Collaborative Corner: On the Move

By Jeannie Pederson, Pope County Family Collaborative Coordinator

May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

I believe our Pope County community has a heightened awareness of kindness and shared compassion. Let’s learn more together!

Research has shown that personal and community connectedness can make a significant difference in the lives of those at risk for suicide. Everyone has a role to play in the fight against suicide.

According to the Suicide Prevention Resource Center, increasing the connections among individuals, family, community, and social institutions can be a protective factor for preventing suicide. Research also shows that individuals who are having thoughts of suicide feel relief when someone asks about them in a caring way.

Let’s Talk! We’re hosting a new event! Join us for a community-wide QRP Suicide Prevention Training, June 8, 2022 at 6 p.m. at the Minnewaska House Brewing Co. and Grill. We hope you’re able to join us!

An 11:30 a.m. training will also be held for direct service providers. Watch for registration and more information to follow.

QPR is a 1.5-hour training for any community member to learn basic skills to assist someone at risk for suicide. By asking a simple question, you can save a life.

Q P R stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer. These are 3 simple steps that anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. 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.

Please join us for these training opportunities and a light meal sponsored by the EC/THRIVE Initiative, Pope County Daycare Association, Safe Families for Children, H.E.L.P. Council (Helping Everyone Live in Peace), and Pope County Farm Bureau.

If you have any questions, please contact: Charity Vold at 320-424-0720 or charityvold@gmail.com