All Parkview Sports Medicine certified athletic trainers are now certified in QPR Gatekeeper Training, which allows them to provide critical mental health support and care to athletes at the 26 local high schools, 5 colleges and 10 club sports teams who receive Parkview Sports Medicine services.
QPR stands for Question, Persuade, Refer, and is a well-researched, outcomes-driven program that provides individuals with the tools to recognize signs of suicidal thoughts in someone and suggestions for open communication that can provide the affected person with hope and a path to support. QPR certification gives our trainers evidence-based steps to take if they encounter an athlete in crisis.
Additionally, four Parkview Sports Medicine athletic trainers are working to become certified QPR Instructors. This will allow them to train and certify others in the schools, including teachers or parents.
Amberly Mallon, M.Ed., LAT, ATC, Parkview Sports Medicine’s certified athletic trainer serving West Noble High School, who is a certified QPR Instructor, explained why athletic trainers are uniquely equipped to provide critical support to athletes they work with and why having QPR-certified trainers in our schools is so important.