HSHS hospitals host free QPR suicide prevention session

HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals’ Community Health is hosting a session for anyone who would like to learn how to recognize the warning signs that someone may be thinking about suicide, and how to help them. The training is called “Question, Persuade, Refer” – or QPR. Just like CPR, QPR is an emergency response to someone in crisis and can save a life.

The session will take place Tuesday, March 17, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in McDonald Hall at HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital, 2661 Co Hwy I. Registration is required by calling 715-717-7479 or online at www.stjoeschipfalls.org/Events-Classes.

“Suicide is very hard for most people to talk about,” said Laura Baalrud, director of Community Health at HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals. “We hope to open up the dialogue about mental health and suicidal feelings to help reduce the stigma.”