CDPH Suicide Prevention Initiative
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis – call or chat 988
CDPH Suicide Prevention Initiative
Suicide is a serious public health problem that affects people of all ages. Suicide and suicide attempts affect the health and well-being of friends, loved ones, co-workers, and the community. And suicide is a difficult topic to discuss - whether you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, know someone who is, or know someone who has lost a loved one.
The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is taking on suicide prevention by building community, connection, and knowledge. A team of diverse CDPH public health professionals have joined together to become certified Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) Instructors through the QPR Institute to provide free in-person and virtual QPR Gatekeeper training in and across Chicago’s communities.
QPR is a recognized approach that trains everyday people from all walks of life to recognize suicide warning signs, take immediate steps to mitigate risk of a suicide attempt, and make referrals to competent professional care. QPR training is one way to build community, connectedness, and knowledge to understand the issues concerning suicide and mental health, help others in crisis, and change the conversation around suicide.
QPR Training Schedule
The QPR Training Schedule will be updated on a rolling basis:
May
16
Mount Greenwood:
- Mount Greenwood Public Library
- 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
- In-Person, Open to Public
May
21
City Workforce:
- 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
- In-Person
- Open to City of Chicago staff
Invite Only
June
27
Norwood Park:
- Roden Branch, Norwood Public Library
- 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
- In-Person, Open to Public
Sept
10
Chatham:
- Whitney Young, Jr. Public Library
- 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
- In-Person, Open to Public
Sept
26
West Garfield Park:
- Legler Regional Public Library
- 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
- In-Person, Open to Public
If you would like to schedule a QPR Training, please inquire here
To start, CDPH is prioritizing in-person trainings in Chicago communities with the highest suicide mortality rates and for City employees. CDPH will continue to add trainings for the general public both in-person and virtually. Starting in fall 2024, QPR trainings will be made available to groups with higher suicide rates-- including youth, older adults, new mothers and caregivers, LGBTIQ+ community, and young black men-- and in other languages.
Are you experiencing mental health-related distress or are worried about someone who may need crisis support?
Call or text 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or chat 988lifeline.org to get access to 24/7/365 crisis resources and confidential, free support from a trained professional.
