WCSD, WEC host educational opportunities on suicide prevention for Westerville community

Westerville community members interested in acquiring skills needed to help prevent suicide can participate in a virtual training hosted by Westerville City Schools, in partnership with the Westerville Education Challenge.

The 60-minute virtual training is focused on the “Question, Persuade and Refer” (QPR) technique, an integral part of the Hope Squad peer-to-peer suicide prevention program at all three high schools this year.

As part of the training, participants will learn:

• How to question, persuade and refer someone who may be suicidal;
• How to get help for yourself or learn more about preventing suicide;
• The common causes of suicidal behavior;
• The warning signs of suicide; and
• How to get help for someone in crisis.

Training Sessions (Virtual):

Target Audience: Parents/Caregivers/Community Members
Cost of Training: FREE

• September 21 at 6:30-7:30
• October 5 at 9:00-10:00
• October 19 at 6:30-7:30
• November 2 at 9:00-10:00
• November 16 at 6:30-7:30
• December 7 at 9:00-10:00
• December 21 at 6:30-7:30
• January 4 at 9:00-10:00
• January 18 at 6:30-7:30
• February 1 at 9:00-10:00
• February 15 at 6:30-7:30
• March 7 at 9:00-10:00
• March 21 at 6:30-7:30
• April 4 at 9:00-10:00
• April 18 at 6:30-7:30
• May 2 at 9:00-10:00
• May 16 at 6:30-7:30

Small businesses and organizations have a Lunch & Learn (in person) opportunity for QPR training. For more information about this initiative or to register for the virtual training sessions, sign up using the links above. 

The district is thankful for the Westerville Education Challenge organization for making this opportunity available to the community, as well as their ongoing support of student wellness and mental health programs in Westerville schools.