Students and faculty can help save lives by attending a free Question, Persuade, and Refer training course offered online or in person. 

This training instructs participants on how to recognize warning signs of suicide, refer others in crisis and get help for themselves. 

The university provides the training at no charge for anyone interested, and the course can be taken in person or online. 

“QPR is really important for students and whoever takes the training to be aware of how to be that bystander and step in whenever necessary to help prevent suicide,” ​​Kayla Marker, certified QPR instructor and Kent State research associate, said.

Marker said QPR training can be a lifesaving experience and is the number one suicide prevention and awareness training offered at the university. 

The one-hour course is being held in person Feb. 28, along with a guided virtual course on April 10. Both sessions begin at 1 p.m.

Self-guided training can be taken online at any time and from any location. 

It is encouraged to take the training through any format, but an in-person approach may have additional benefits, “If [participants] have any questions they can ask them in real time and there’s typically some discussion among the participants during training,” Marker said. 

More information about signing up and completing the course can be found on the university’s Center for Public Policy and Health’s Upcoming Events webpage. 

Parker Gorman is a reporter. You can contact her at [email protected].