Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) Certified Gatekeeper Instructor Certification Course

The application deadline for this training was April 1, 2024. For questions, please contact Sherrie Nichols ([email protected]).

This virtual certification course trains instructors to teach QPR for Suicide Prevention to their community. Participants first learn about the nature of suicidal communications, what forms these communications take, and how they may be used as the stimulus for a QPR intervention. To gain perspective, participants are introduced to the history of suicide, suicide prevention, and the spectrum of modern-day public health suicide prevention education efforts. Participants then learn to market QPR, target potential Gatekeepers, and how to teach the QPR curriculum. Participants also learn to deal with pent up audience demands to talk about suicide, survivor issues, and how to make immediate interventions and referrals. Each participant has the opportunity for individual rehearsal and practice through role-plays.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

To understand the nature, range and importance of suicidal communications and their importance in preventing suicide.
To review and understand the groups at greatest risk of suicide and why QPR can work for them.
To train participants to teach QPR, for Suicide Prevention.
To gain a historical perspective about suicide prevention and how QPR fits into national efforts.
To acquire specific knowledge about how audiences may respond to the QPR message and how to react in a helpful manner.
To learn how to effectively promote suicide prevention in their own communities.
To gain the competence and confidence to teach others how to save lives and help prevent suicidal behaviors.

AUDIENCE:

This intensive training series is accepting applications from mental and behavioral health professionals working in HHS Region 5 (IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI). Space is limited.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

The deadline to apply is April 1, 2024. Applicants will be notified about their enrollment status by April 5, 2024.
There is NO COST to attend this virtual QPR certification course for those who are accepted into the training via the Great Lakes MHTTC application process (standard fee: $595.00).
This is NOT a webinar. All participants are expected to actively participate for the entire course, including being on camera, using a working microphone, and having the ability to work in breakout rooms/small group exercises.
Space is limited – please only apply if you work in HHS Region 5 and you can fully commit to attending the entire 6-hour course.
The training will take place on May 1, 2024 from 9:00 AM–3:30 PM CT. Additional details will be shared with accepted applicants.
Download the QPR Certified Gatekeeper Instructor Course Outline or visit the QPR website to learn more about the course. Remember: There is no cost to attend if you are accepted into the May 1^st training through the Great Lakes MHTTC application process.

HOW TO APPLY: Click the “REGISTER” button at the top of the page to complete the application form.

CERTIFICATES:

Registrants who fully attend this event or training will receive a certificate of attendance via email within two weeks after the event or training. Participants who successfully complete the course will be Gatekeeper Instructor certified for three years through QPR.

PRESENTER:

Heidi Pritzl

Heidi Pritzl, MSW, LCSW

Heidi Pritzl graduated with her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Hawaii Pacific University (HPU) in Honolulu, HI. Twelve years ago, Heidi moved back to St. Germain, Wisconsin with the goal to serve and support her “home” community. When she returned to Wisconsin she began to work in the field of mental health as a clinical social worker on the inpatient unit at St. Mary’s hospital for Ministry Koller Behavioral Health, which is now Aspirus Koller Behavioral Health. Heidi then transitioned to outpatient mental health in the clinic setting as a Psychotherapist.

Heidi is trained in suicide prevention with the QPR Institute in Seattle, WA, as a Master and Gatekeeper Trainer. Her goal has been to train as many individuals as possible on the warning signs and risk factors of suicide, so they are able to identify when someone needs support to help in the nation’s goal to reduce suicides by 25% by 2025. Recently Heidi has been training college and high school staff to include coaches, in addition to consulting with corporations and universities to implement suicide prevention and mental health support into their businesses.

Heidi is also serving her second term for the NASW Wisconsin Chapter Board as the West Central/North Central/Northeast Branch Representative. She encourages new social workers to enroll in NASW to receive support and continues to work hard to have the same services, supports, and resources to rural Wisconsin as they do in the cities.

Heidi shares, “I know my work will be done when people begin receiving cards, casseroles, and flowers for a recent diagnosis for mental health or after a hospital stay on a psychiatric inpatient unit.”

QPR Institute

The Great Lakes MHTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.

Event Type

Webinar/Virtual Training

Hosted by

Great Lakes MHTTC

Collaborating TTC(s)

Great Lakes MHTTC