Stark County, OH (September 8, 2022) – On Sept. 10, World Suicide Prevention Day, people worldwide are encouraged to wear purple by day and light a candle in a window at night. These signals of unity are an important part of building connection, as it’s known that the effects of suicide are far-reaching.
This year, Stark County residents are also asked to participate in suicide prevention efforts through “QPR” training. QPR (Question. Persuade. Refer.) is a three-step, evidence-based exercise anyone can learn to help prevent suicide, and one local QPR training per month will be held now through June 2023 at various Stark locations. These free trainings, each 90 minutes, are sponsored by the Stark County Suicide Prevention Coalition and members of the general public are encouraged to attend – registration is required; there is no cost.
“Everyone has a role to play in preventing suicide,” said Elena Aslanides-Kandis, Suicide and Community Response Coordinator for Stark County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery (StarkMHAR) and leader of the Stark County Suicide Prevention Coalition.
“To be part of suicide prevention in your community, you don’t have to be a counselor, a mental health professional, or hold a certain degree or license,” Aslandies-Kandis continued. “Lots of prevention efforts happen among everyday people having everyday conversations. It’s a matter of checking in, listening, and knowing your available resources – and that’s what QPR training is for.”
Sign up by visiting https://starkmhar.org/trainings-and-events/calendar/ or by calling Elena Aslanides-Kandis at 330-455-6644.
