Parkview Health Logo

Suicide Prevention

Learn what to say and where to refer

When it comes to mental health, early intervention can be the difference between life and death. During a cardiovascular emergency, performing CPR can save a life. In the event of a mental health emergency, QPR (Question, Persuade and Refer) can be used in the same manner. The QPR technique is used to recognize the signs that someone is at risk of suicide, to offer hope and refer the person to the care they need.

Through Parkview LaGrange Hospital and Parkview Behavioral Health Institute, QPR training is available and free to the public at locations throughout the region. This two-hour, one-time class introduces participants to what to say, as a first step in getting the person the life-saving help they need.

Class content includes:

  • How to Question, Persuade and Refer someone who may be suicidal
  • How to get help and learn about suicide prevention
  • Common causes of suicidal behavior
  • How to get help for someone in crisis

A key element of QPR training is learning how to begin the conversation when you have a concern that someone may be thinking of suicide. Talking honestly and directly about suicide and, most importantly, listening to the person talk about their feelings, can lower their risk of harming themselves.

Click below to register for an upcoming QPR training event. To request more information or to schedule a training event for an organized group, call 260-373-7697 (Fort Wayne) or 260-463-9270 (LaGrange).

Register for QPR training.


Support group: surviving loss by suicide

If someone you love has lost their life by suicide, you are not alone. As a survivor experiencing complex feelings, coping can be a challenge. The Surviving Loss by Suicide support group provides a compassionate, healing environment where you can connect with others on a similar journey.

This group is appropriate for anyone whose life has been affected by the loss of a loved one to suicide. Participants should be 18 years or older or accompanied by a parent if 14-17 years old. New members may join at anytime.

Meetings are held monthly on the third Tuesday of the month from 6:30 – 8 p.m., at Parkview LaGrange Hospital.

For more information, call 260-463-9492.