Commonwealth University-Lock Haven Students Become Suicide Prevention Gatekeepers

LOCK HAVEN, PA (12/01/2023) — A persistent myth in our society is that suicide isn't preventable, but according to the QPR Institute, research tells us otherwise. On Nov. 8, 30 Commonwealth University-Lock Haven students were trained to become suicide prevention gatekeepers during an on-campus QPR Gatekeeper Workshop held on campus.

The two suicide prevention sessions were sponsored by the Social Work Club and the Social Work Department of the College of Education and Human Studies. Olivia Sharp, a social work major from York, coordinated the event with professor Tulare Park and Dr. Steven Granich, who served as support professionals during this important training.

QPR Gatekeeper training is a professional curriculum offered as both online and in-person formats by the QPR Institute. Anyone who participates in the training will learn proven techniques to prevent suicide. QPR is similar to CPR training in that it is an emergency intervention but for mental health issues. QPR gatekeepers can more easily recognize signs of suicide, offer help and provide resources to the person in need. The more people who are trained in QPR will result in a reduction of deaths from suicide.

Dr. Laura Sharp, a psychologist and supervisor of Pupil Personnel Services at the Lincoln Intermediate Unit 12 in York, was the facilitator for the workshops. Sharp is a certified trainer for QPR suicide prevention from the QPR Institute. She shared a multi-media presentation and materials that described statistics about suicide nationally, including the alarming increase since 2020. She taught students about the steps of the QPR model of suicide prevention and strategies for implementing them. In addition, participants took part in a suicide crisis simulation role-play in which they practiced the QPR skills.

The social work club was excited and fortunate to partner with Sharp to offer the certification to students. In addition to social work majors, students from other majors also participated in the workshop. Participants appreciated having access to this workshop to gain important knowledge to intervene when needed.

For more information about QPR training, visit https://qprinstitute.com/. To learn about Commonwealth University's social work program, including in-person and fully online degree options, visit www.lockhaven.edu/socialwork/ or contact Dr. Steven Granich at sgranich@commonwealthu.edu or 570-484-2210.

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