UNIVERSITY PARK — As communities observe National Suicide Prevention Week Sept. 7 to 13, Penn State Extension will host a program designed to provide participants with the skills to recognize the warning signs of suicide, how to offer hope to someone in need, and how to get help.

“QPR Gatekeeper Suicide Prevention Training” will occur from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Sept. 11, at Barbara M. Brown Memorial Library, 27 W. Fourth St., Emporium.

Penn State Extension educators will lead this training, “Question, Persuade and Refer,” developed by the QPR Institute. Participants can learn to recognize the warning signs of suicide in friends, coworkers, family members or neighbors in need.

Designed for anyone, regardless of profession, who is concerned about helping others with mental health and substance use challenges, QPR is an emergency mental health intervention method intended to interrupt a crisis and direct someone to proper care. Attendees will discuss potential scenarios and engage in active listening and persuasion techniques.

Among other topics, participants can learn how to:

• Recognize the warning signs of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
• Ask direct or less-direct questions to someone having suicidal thoughts.
• Practice active listening.
• Persuade someone to go for help.
• Refer someone to appropriate help.

Penn State Extension offers this event free of charge, made possible through funding from Meadows Psychiatric Facility, which covers the cost of course materials. Participants can preregister until 11:45 a.m. Sept. 10.

Continuing education credits are available at no cost for emergency medical services providers, personal care home administrators, licensed social workers, marriage and family therapists, and licensed professional counselors. Credits for certified health education specialists are available for a fee of $10.

More information is available on the Penn State Extension website.