In response to sobering statistics revealed earlier this year showing Tipton County has the second-highest suicide rate in the state, the Tipton County Health Department is taking action to save lives through education and community engagement.
A partnership between the Tipton County Health Department and 4C Health aims to combat this mental health crisis head-on by offering free QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) suicide prevention training sessions for residents aged 18 and older.
QPR is a nationally recognized program that teaches participants how to identify warning signs of suicide, engage with someone who may be struggling, and connect them with the appropriate help. The program emphasizes that anyone – not just mental health professionals – can be trained to recognize and respond effectively in a crisis.
“These three simple steps – Question, Persuade, Refer – can make a world of difference,” said Lindsey Ogden, director of the Tipton County Health Department. “Our goal is to empower community members with the tools they need to potentially save a life.”
The free, two-hour training sessions will be offered during Mental Health Awareness Month in May at the Tipton County Foundation, located at 1020 W. Jefferson St. in Tipton. The scheduled dates and times are:
• Monday, May 6 from 10 a.m. to noon
• Sunday, May 12 from 1 to 3 p.m.
• Thursday, May 23 from 5 to 7 p.m.
Each session is limited to 25 participants to ensure a personalized and effective training experience.
Interested individuals should register by calling the Tipton County Health Department at 765-675-8741 or at the following link: https://www.signupgenius.com/…/8050D4FABAC2FA7F85…
More information about the QPR program is available at qprinstitute.com.
Organizers hope that these sessions will serve as a catalyst for greater awareness, compassion, and support within the community. As Mental Health Awareness Month begins, the message is clear: Together, Tipton County can work to prevent suicide and save lives.
