The University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville is expanding its mental health efforts by providing QPR Suicide Prevention Training to faculty and staff through an ongoing partnership with White River Health.
The initiative is being led by Dr. Maggie Beshears, UACCB Director of Counseling.
QPR stands for Question, Persuade and Refer and is designed to teach people how to recognize warning signs of a mental health crisis, offer support and help connect someone with professional care.
UACCB compares the training to CPR, with QPR giving educators and campus employees practical tools they can use when someone may be experiencing a psychological crisis.
Beshears said helping faculty and staff recognize warning signs and have direct, compassionate conversations can make a meaningful difference for students.
She said the partnership with White River Health is helping strengthen the campus safety net and create an environment where asking for help is supported.
During the training, faculty and staff learn 3 primary steps.
Question focuses on recognizing warning signs and directly asking about suicide risk.
Persuade teaches participants to listen, offer hope and encourage a person to seek assistance.
Refer focuses on connecting students with campus counseling services and regional resources available through White River Health.
The training also supports UACCB’s new Mental Health Advocacy initiative, which brings together faculty and staff from different areas of the college.
The group will work to expand mental health and wellness programming, improve connections to available resources, identify additional training needs and recommend ways UACCB can continue strengthening mental health support for students and employees.
College officials say QPR training is one part of a broader effort to reduce stigma, encourage people to seek help earlier and make sure students and employees know where support is available.
UACCB is also highlighting mental health resources during Mental Health Week, September 14-18.
Activities during the week include a mental health presentation, free health screenings, stress-relief activities, a Caring Campus event, mindfulness meditation and additional QPR training and refresher sessions.
UACCB says the goal is to make mental health support more visible across campus while providing students and employees with practical opportunities to learn, connect and engage with available resources.
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