ISU Extension to host suicide prevention workshop

As communities across Iowa continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health challenges continue to impact Iowans at alarming rates.

Suicide is among the top five leading causes of death for Iowans between the ages of 10 and 54 years old, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Additionally, over five times as many people died by suicide in 2019 than in alcohol related motor vehicle accidents – the most recent data suggests little to no improvement in suicide trends as Iowans recover from the pandemic.

In response to this continuing impact, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Jefferson County is offering an in person “Question. Persuade. Refer.” Suicide Prevention Workshop on Tuesday, Feb. 8 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Jefferson County Extension Office.

QPR is a suicide prevention program that teaches participants three steps to help save a life from suicide. Just as people trained in CPR and the Heimlich maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade and refer someone to help.

To register go to https://go.iastate.edu/JLMZYA or extension.iastate.edu.humansciences/QPR.

Registration cost includes a meal.

For more information, contact Dawn Dunnegan 319-217-9474 dunnegan@iastate.edu or the Jefferson County Extension Office, Jeri Crile, 641-472-4166