Building a Safety Net: How QPR Training Is Changing the Conversation Around Mental Health in the NEK

September is Suicide Prevention Month — a reminder that suicide is preventable, and that every one of us can play a role in preventing it. In the Northeast Kingdom, one of our most powerful tools for doing that is QPR training.

QPR — Question, Persuade, Refer — is introductory training offered to community organizations and members, giving ordinary people the skills to take real, actionable steps when someone is struggling with a mental health challenge. By offering QPR throughout our communities, we are empowering neighbors, coworkers, teachers, and families to share the responsibility of hope, caring, and connection.

This year, two of our team members, Terri Lavely and Ruth Marquette, completed the QPR Master Trainer Certification. This certification allows them to train others to become certified QPR instructors. More trainers means more trainings, more organizations reached, and more lives touched with these life-saving skills across the NEK and Vermont.

QPR focuses on the risk factors and warning signs that show up when someone is struggling, signs that family, friends, coworkers, and the individuals we serve can recognize. It isn't reserved for any one profession. It's for anyone willing to ask the question, persuade someone to get help, and refer them to the right resources, offering hope and encouraging positive action along the way.

We've made the 90-minute QPR session easy to access through regularly scheduled Zoom trainings for individuals and organizations anywhere, or in person, at any business or organization in the NEK.

Real Impact

NKHS began supporting Lyndon State College student leaders with QPR training in 2019. When LSC merged with Vermont State University, we expanded to the Castleton campus in 2024, then to Johnson and Randolph. This year alone, Terri and Ruth trained 88 student leaders across three days.

Shaun Williams, Assistant Director of Residence Life and Student Life at Castleton, shared, "QPR at VTSU has created a vital mental health safety net across our community. Through this collaboration, we are bringing life-saving suicide prevention skills directly to our students, staff, and local neighbors. You truly never know the impact you can have."

We've also partnered with local school systems and nursing home facilities because mental health struggles don't discriminate by age. One participant from a recent training shared, "I was struggling with my own mental health when I attended QPR. Sharing the resources that were available to me saved my life. I am thankful for what you do."

Take Action this September

Awareness alone isn't enough — we need action, education, and connection. Want to learn more about QPR or bring this training to your team? Visit our Community Training page to learn more and email our trainers to schedule, or visit our Events page to register for an upcoming online session.

You truly never know the impact you can have.