A Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Training session, aimed at equipping individuals with suicide prevention skills, will be held on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 9 a.m. to noon at St. Peter Catholic Church, 121 S. Second St., Columbia. The training will be provided by Mental Health America of Lancaster County (MHALC), and it is sponsored by the Columbia Catholic Mental Health Ministry. It is open to people of all faiths.

Space is limited to 35 participants, so early registration is encouraged. The training is free, although a suggested donation is requested to help cover materials. For more information or to register, contact deacon Jim Doyle at ccmentalhealthministry@gmail.com or 717-343-1102 or contact MHALC at 717-397-7461. Online registration is available at https://tinyurl.com/QPRTrainingColumbia2024.

QPR is an emergency response technique designed to help people act as gatekeepers in suicide prevention. A gatekeeper is someone who is in a position to recognize a crisis and the warning signs that someone may be contemplating suicide. QPR teaches participants how to recognize the warning signs of suicide, engage with those at risk, and refer them to appropriate resources for help.

Columbia Catholic Mental Health Ministry, a joint effort by St. Peter and Holy Trinity parishes, aims to provide spiritual support and community for people experiencing mental health challenges and their families. While not a substitute for mental health treatment, the ministry offers supplemental assistance and information to help overcome stigma and misunderstandings about mental illness.