CHARLOTTE, N.C. — This morning we are talking about a very important topic, suicide. Today we are joined by a very special guest Fonda Bryant - a certified QPR suicide prevention instructor. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. The suicide rate among males in 2021 was approximately four times higher than the rate among females. Firearms are the most common method used in suicides. Firearms are used in more than 50% of suicides. “The numbers are staggering and I’m happy to say that I am a suicide survivor” says Bryant. She adds “As each year passes, I am more grateful that I am here. When my Aunt Spankie saved my life, I had no idea how my life would change others. I never take it for granted. As bad as that day was, it changed my life for the better. Today, my goal and my passion are to STOP suicide through education. This led me on a journey to become a certified QPR instructor.”
QPR stands for Question, Persuade Refer. It is a suicide prevention training for participants to be able to recognize the warning signs of suicide and question, persuade, and refer people at risk for suicide for help.
QPR Training includes a wide range of subjects.
1: Training participants to teach QPR Gatekeeper Training for Suicide Prevention
2: Understanding the nature and range of suicidal communications
3: Knowing the groups at greatest risk of suicide and why QPR can work for them
4: Suicide and suicide prevention in history
5: Gatekeeper training; how, why and the research
6: New and promising approaches to suicide prevention
7: How QPR fits into national efforts
“QPR training will help you gauge your own mental health and give you tools to save lives” says Bryant. Suicide Is Preventable, no-one should suffer in silenced. Help Save Lives! There is a Special QPR Suicide Prevention Training coming up on Saturday, February 17th from 12-2pm. No Registration needed. For more information visit WellnessActionRecovery.org.