Empowering Communities to Save Lives

Every day, countless lives are saved through CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver. Yet, suicide remains one of the leading causes of preventable death worldwide. The key to prevention is early intervention—recognizing warning signs and knowing how to respond.

The QPR (Question, Persuade, and Refer) Suicide Prevention Certification program, offered in partnership with Florida A&M University, equips individuals with essential skills to identify warning signs of suicide, offer hope, and connect those in crisis with professional help.

Dr. Alicia L. Jackson, PhD, Coordinator of Clinical Programs and Certified QPR Trainer at Florida A&M University's Office of Counseling Services and 2025-2027 Executive Fellow at the Fathers and Families Coalition of America, will lead this critical training. Participants will earn a QPR Gatekeeper Certification and gain valuable Continuing Education Units (CEUs) needed for professional skill development.

This 2.5-hour virtual program is held bi-monthly, with special offerings during Mental Health Awareness Month (May), National Suicide Prevention Month (September), and the 26th International Families and Fathers Conference (April 2025).

Suicide is a public health crisis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

1. Suicide rates have increased by over 30% in the last two decades.
2. For every death by suicide, there are over 25 attempts.
3. 80% of people who die by suicide show warning signs beforehand.

Yet, suicide is preventable. The QPR model is designed to equip everyday individuals with life-saving intervention skills, just as CPR prepares people to respond to cardiac emergencies.

QPR-trained individuals, or Gatekeepers, are strategically positioned to recognize warning signs, intervene, and refer crisis-affected individuals to appropriate support services.

Who can be a Gatekeeper?

Anyone can be trained to recognize and respond to a suicide crisis, including:

1. Parents and caregivers
2. Educators and school counselors
3. Mental health and social service professionals
4. First responders and healthcare providers
5. Faith leaders and community advocates
6. Employers, HR professionals, and workplace supervisors

 Recognize the Warning Signs of a suicide crisis

1.  Learn How to Offer hope and de-escalate a crisis
2.  Develop Skills to Refer and Connect individuals with professional support 
3.  Gain a Lifelong Certification as a QPR Gatekeeper, empowering you to help save lives

2025 QPR Certification Program Dates
The QPR Suicide Prevention Certification Training is available bi-monthly and at special events throughout 2025.

26th International Families and Fathers Conference (In-Person Training)
Friday, April 11, 2025 | 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM PST
Hilton Los Angeles Airport Hotel
Registration:

1. $100 add-on for conference attendees
2. Secure your spot [here]

Bi-Monthly Virtual Offerings

Third Tuesday of each month | 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM PST
Third Saturday of each month | 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM PST
Join from anywhere | Earn your certification online

Upcoming Special Offerings:

Mental Health Awareness Month – May 2025
May 14 (Tuesday) | 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM PST
May 17 (Saturday) | 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM PST

July 2025 Training Sessions
July 15 (Tuesday) | 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM PST
July 19 (Saturday) | 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM PST

National Suicide Prevention Month – September 2025
September 16 (Tuesday) | 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM PST
September 20 (Saturday) | 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM PST

November 2025 Training Sessions
November 18 (Tuesday) | 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM PST
November 22 (Saturday) | 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM PST

Virtual Training Registration:

1. Early rate: $75
2. Secure your virtual training spot [here]

A Public Health Approach to Suicide Prevention

The QPR method was developed in 1995 by Dr. Paul Quinnett and is recognized as an evidence-based intervention for suicide prevention. Similar to CPR for heart attacks, QPR teaches individuals how to:

1. Recognize early warning signs and identify those in distress
2. Initiate crucial conversations to provide immediate support
3. Connect individuals to appropriate resources before a crisis escalates

What Makes QPR Different?

 Proven Effectiveness – QPR is backed by decades of research and is included in the National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices (NREPP).

QPR is not only effective but also practical and accessible. The training takes just 2.5 hours and can be applied immediately in real-world situations, giving you the power to make a difference when it matters most.

QPR not only equips you with life-saving skills, but it also contributes to your professional development. Earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) while gaining essential intervention skills to support your community.

QPR is not just training; it's a lifelong skill. Once you've been trained, you're equipped to make a difference in life.

Secure Your QPR Certification Today

Suicide prevention starts with awareness, training, and action. By becoming QPR certified, you will gain the skills to help save lives, support those in distress, and create safer, more resilient communities. Spots for each session are limited. Don't wait—register today and be the bridge to hope, healing, and wellness.

Let's Build Bridges of Wellness together and create a world where every life matters.

Dr. Alicia L. Jackson is a renowned mental health expert, Clinical Programs Coordinator, and Certified QPR Trainer at Florida A&M University's Office of Counseling Services. She is a recognized leader in suicide prevention, crisis intervention, and trauma-informed care. In 2025, she was appointed the Executive Fellow of the Fathers and Families Coalition of America (FFCA) for the 2025-2027 term, furthering her impact on national and global mental health initiatives.

Her work continues to bridge the gap between research and real-world application, empowering communities to take proactive steps toward suicide prevention and mental wellness. Join us in this mission—get QPR certified and participate in the solution.

#LeadWithLove #QPRTraining #SuicidePrevention #BeTheBridge