Help prevent one of Oregon's leading causes of death [Central Oregon]

September 9 through 15 is National Suicide Prevention Week and to build awareness and work toward suicide prevention, Deschutes County is providing two free trainings.

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in Oregon. In Deschutes County, 49 violent deaths occurred in 2010. Eighty percent (80%) of those deaths were caused by suicide. Early recognition of warning signs and early intervention can save lives.

Deschutes County is coordinating two trainings and a question and answer panel of experts to increase awareness of suicide prevention. These free trainings will inform attendees of how to know a loved one is at risk of suicide.

The suicide prevention program, known as Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR), will teach participants the warning signs for suicide and three simple steps that may save a life. The one-hour session is presented by certified instructors. No RSVP is required.

Two separate suicide prevention trainings will be held:

• Monday, September 10, 6—8:00 p.m. and will include the QPR training followed by a question and answer session by a panel of local experts. First Presbyterian Church, 230 NE 9th Street in Bend
  
• Wednesday, September 12, 6—7:00 p.m. QPR training only
  Deschutes County Services Center, 1300 NW Wall Street (1st floor) in Bend

Members of law enforcement agencies, attorneys, clergy, office receptionists, physicians, parents, educators, coaches, financial planners, pharmacists and bus drivers are among the many people who are encouraged to attend QPR training.

The training includes a suicide prevention resource guide and there is no charge to attend. Please consider donating $5 to help fund suicide prevention activities in Deschutes County.

These trainings are sponsored in part by the Garrett Lee Smith Youth Suicide Prevention Grant.

For more information about the two QPR suicide prevention trainings, please contact Sherrie Williamson (541) 330-4606.

For suicide prevention and support resources, please visit www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255).