The Hanley Foundation and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office have created a partnership to train incoming deputies and staff on suicide prevention, as part of the Hanley Foundation’s Zero Suicide Initiative.
The program provides an in-depth QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Gatekeeper Training geared toward first responders and law enforcement, teaching them how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis. Hanley works with community organizations to help train them in assessing people for suicidality and providing appropriate, patient-centered care to someone suffering with a mental health crisis.
“Just as the PBSO trains in CPR and other lifesaving skills, QPR training can help save lives by recognizing the warning signs of a suicide crisis, and taking appropriate action to help save the individual who is suffering,” Hanley Foundation CEO Rachel Docekal said.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people ages 15 to 24, and rates have steadily increased since 2015. In 2022 in Palm Beach County, there were 236 deaths due to suicide; and 3,445 deaths due to suicide statewide.
“The QPR program is a very powerful tool for our deputies to help mitigate potential suicide attempts,” Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said. “We are grateful to have a partner like the Hanley Foundation to help us expand our suicide prevention communication and action skills.”
Additionally, members of the public are invited to take the QPR Training by visiting www.hanleyfoundation.org, e-mailing events@hanleyfoundation.org or calling (561) 268-2355.
