For many years, Montana had the most suicides in the country, in 2020 we've fallen to a close #3 behind Wyoming and New Mexico, and there is still a great amount of work to be done to improve mental health in our state.

When people think of suicide prevention and who helps someone in crisis, you think of a counselor, a teacher, a close family member, what never really occurs to most is that adolescents in crisis are likely more comfortable sharing their feelings with a peer. Somebody around the same age who they can confide in and really be honest with. But do teenagers actually know how to handle the situation? Regardless of age, most people do not know how to react when somebody says they are suicidal, or are feeling like they might hurt themselves or someone else.

With this in mind, Missoula's All Nations Health Center is hosting a "QPR" (Question, Persuade, Refer) suicide prevention training for Native youth ages 15 to 24-years-old. It's 90 minutes that could save a life. The next "Urban Native Youth QPR Gatekeeper Training" will be held on Wednesday, January 13th with the goal of giving participants the tools to respond if they are concerned about a friend or family member. The class will take place on Zoom, you will be emailed a link to access the training prior to start of the training, register HEREJust 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. Each year thousands of youth, like you, are saying "Yes" to saving the life of a friend, or a family member.

If you are in crisis and want help, call the MT Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7
1-800-273-TALK
(1-800-273-8255)
Or text “MT” to 741 741

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