Saving Lives

QPR Suicide Prevention Training

Mental health is important because it affects how we think, feel, and live our daily lives. When someone is struggling with their mental health, they may think about ending their life. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in Missouri, for both adults and teens. Taney County Health Department (TCHD) is actively responding by providing lifesaving mental health education for all Taney County citizens. To help prevent suicide, TCHD offers a free training called Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR).

In just one hour, participants learn how to ask someone if they are thinking about suicide, how to talk with them, and how to connect them to lifesaving resources. QPR training is free through funding from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Maternal Child Health Services contract and is available to any group in the community.

“QPR is the best training that the health department has offered. It is easy to learn and can be used immediately to save a life.” explains Kara Miller, Community Health Educator and certified QPR instructor at TCHD, “We can’t be afraid to talk about suicide openly and honestly. It’s the only way to offer hope and decrease the number of lives lost.”

As of June 2026, TCHD has trained over 1,700 people in Taney County. The goal is to keep growing that number and help more people be prepared to save lives. TCHD invites Taney County residents to invest in themselves and those around them through the valuable knowledge and skills offered by this program.

QPR training can be customized for different groups, like Veterans, law enforcement, adults, and youth. TCHD has already worked with Veteran groups, high schools, and other organizations in the area. QPR is portable, and TCHD staff will take the class to any location. All are welcome and encouraged to participate.

To schedule a lifesaving QPR training, contact the Taney County Health Department at 417-334-4544 ext. 594 or visit https://taneyhealth.gov/prevention-and-promotion/community-outreach/health-education-suicide-prevention-training/.

For more information and to keep up with TCHD updates visit our website at www.taneyhealth.gov, or connect via Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

Click Here to Schedule a Lifesaving QPR Training