Join an Upcoming QPR Gatekeeper + CALM Training Class
The Northwest Pennsylvania (NW PA) Veteran Suicide Prevention Program operates on a three-pronged approach involving healthcare providers, community organizations, and Veterans and their families. Because of this focus, we’re providing information about our free, online QPR Gatekeeper + CALM training sessions. We encourage you to learn about this training and share it with your personal and professional networks throughout the region. While our primary focus is training gatekeepers working or living in the 15 countries of NW PA, we may be able to accommodate those outside the region on a space-available basis. Please contact us with any questions.
What is Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM) Training?
Pennsylvania suicide rates, especially in rural counties, are higher than the national average. CALM training involves strategies for reducing access to lethal means, such as firearms and medication. By adding an optional CALM training segment to our QPR training, attendees will learn how to safely and respectfully reduce access to the methods people use to kill themselves. While CALM is primarily designed for mental health professionals, others who live or work with people at risk for suicide may also benefit.
CALM training covers the following:
(1) identify people who could benefit from lethal means counseling,
(2) ask about their access to lethal methods, and
(3) work with them—and their families—to reduce access.
When are CALM training sessions offered?
Our CALM training sessions for the remainder of 2022 immediately follow our QPR Gatekeeper training class. QPR is a two-hour educational program designed to teach professionals as well as lay “gatekeepers” the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to respond. A gatekeeper is an individual who can recognize a crisis and the warning signs of someone possibly contemplating suicide. Gatekeepers come from all walks of life and do not require any prior training or education. Those who have already participated in QPR training or wish to only enroll in CALM may do so on the registration form.
Click on the image above to download or print the flyer and view all upcoming training dates. You can also access the registration form directly. Please contact us if you experience challenges with registration.
We look forward to meeting you at an upcoming training session!
Looking to Get Involved?
Whether you identify as a healthcare provider, community organization, or Veteran, there are several opportunities through the NW PA Veteran Suicide Prevention Program and PERU to connect to resources, participate in educational training, and promote harm reduction strategies. We are actively recruiting healthcare and community partners to work with us in meeting our goals and objectives. To learn more, visit the program website at theresilientveteran.org.
Need Help? Know Someone Who Does? Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or use the online Lifeline Crisis Chat. Both are free and confidential. You’ll be connected to a skilled, trained counselor in your area.
