Hunter Randall speaks to Tippecanoe Valley staff members and community about suicide prevention.

MENTONE — Tippecanoe Valley Schools and the community have been affected by several individuals who have committed suicide in recent years. In an effort to help make sure another tragedy does not occur again, Mentone Elementary School hosted a “QPR for suicide prevention” training on Tuesday, Nov. 15.

QPR stands for question, persuade and refer, three simple steps anyone can learn 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 to someone for help.

Hunter Randall, corporate training coordinator for the Bowen Center for human services, provided Tippecanoe Valley staff and members from the community with information about suicide prevention.

Brett Boggs, Superintendent of Schools, opened the training session by explaining why they had wanted to educate staff on suicide prevention.

“The skills you acquire tonight could help save a life,” said Boggs.

Boggs mentioned in a two year period, the community lost three students, a school staff member and another member of the community to suicide.

Randall emphasized that thoughts of suicide are not unique to one group of people. He explained any individual of any status or age can struggle with thoughts of suicide.

Randall mentioned the key to preventing suicides is to get people help before they take try to take their life.

“The majority don’t want to die, they want help,” said Randall.