Suicide Prevention Resource and Training
Because healthcare workers can't be everywhere when a problem arises, people learn CPR, First Aid, and how to make a 911 call to reduce physical injury until help arrives. In much the same way, suicide prevention resources, virtual trainings, and the new 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline all give people the skills necessary to assist a person in a mental health crisis.
For this reason, the Erie County Department of Health teamed up with the experts at UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor to create a new desktop Suicide Prevention Resource (SPR) for the layperson and to provide Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) suicide prevention virtual trainings to any person wanting to know how to assist a person at risk for suicide.
The SPR is a flip-tool small enough to set on a desk, fit in a gym bag, or carry in a car. It helps anyone, in any capacity, be more prepared to help a person in a suicide crisis. It includes information on suicide screening, risk reduction, and safety planning, along with available resources for care and assistance.
QPR is a two-hour educational program designed to teach persons 16 years and up the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to respond.
QPR training is important because anyone can be at risk for suicide:
- In Erie County's 2021 Pennsylvania Youth Survey, 22.9% of students surveyed indicated they have seriously considered suicide. The survey of 6th, 8th, 10th, and 12th graders found that 19% made a suicide plan. Over 14% reported at least one suicide attempt.
- In 2020, Bradbury Sullivan Community Health Needs Assessment data for Erie County indicated the top three health issues affecting Erie's LGBTQ+ communities were depression (66.6%), suicide (40%), and loneliness/isolation (38.8%).
Many people say the first person they want to talk to if they were having thoughts of suicide is a family member or friend. Real 'life-saving' occurs when individuals recognize the warning signs a person may exhibit on their path to self-harm:
- Sleeping more or less than usual
- Eating more or less than usual
- Being more moody or exhibiting signs of depression
- Giving things away and preparing for death
- Obtaining lethal means (buying or borrowing a gun, stockpiling medications)
- Drinking/using drugs more often
- Talking directly or indirectly about suicide
- Showing hopelessness
- Caring for themselves differently,
- Missing work or important functions
The list goes on https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/warning-signs-of-suicide.
Community health improves when people learn how to identify and prevent all possible injuries, including those related to behavioral health and suicide. To obtain SPR flip-tools or info on QPR suicide prevention trainings, contact Dr. Mandy Fauble at faublem2@upmc.edu or 814-451-2225.
The SPR flip-tool, QPR virtual trainings, and a suicide prevention social media campaign aimed to reach those at highest risk for self-harm in the LGBTQ+ and Black and brown communities are all projects funded by the Pa. Department of Health's Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant.
If you or someone you know is in crisis call 988 or 814-456-2014.
