The Arcadia University community learned lifesaving skills on March 22 at the Suicide Prevention Training hosted by Public Health Student Society, in collaboration with Montgomery County’s Office of Mental and Behavioral Health.

Through an educational presentation and role playing exercises, approximately 35 attendees learned how to help someone considering suicide. The training emphasized QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer, a method that encourages people to question loved ones who may be suicidal, persuade them to seek and accept help, and refer them to appropriate sources.

“You have to ask the question: ‘Are you thinking of suicide?’” said Tory Bright, regional mental health services coordinator at The Philadelphia Mental Health Care Corporation. “People are more likely to tell you if you ask them.”

Suicide Prevention Training was hosted by the Public Health Student Society for Public Health Week. Other events hosted throughout the week include Crafting for a Cause, Alcohol Awareness, and a Scavenger Hunt.