Hanley Foundation and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Department have created a partnership to train incoming deputies and staff on suicide prevention, as part of 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 a mental health crisis.
“Just as PBSO trains in CPR and other life-saving 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,” said Rachel Docekal, Hanley Foundation’s CEO.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 15-24, 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,” said Palm Beach Sheriff Ric Bradshaw. “We are grateful to have a partner like 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 hanleyfoundation.org, emailing events@hanleyfoundation.org or calling 561-268-2355.
About Hanley Foundation
Hanley Foundation envisions a world free of addiction, leading the way as the largest provider of grant-funded prevention education programs in the State of Florida. Hanley Foundation’s mission is to eliminate addiction through prevention, advocacy, treatment, and recovery support. In addition to offering recovery scholarships to those in need and facilitating trainings to identify the signs of substance misuse, the Foundation works to reduce stigma and inform policy through its advocacy efforts. Hanley Foundation educates, changes minds, and saves lives with its evidence-based programs proven through research to prevent and delay the use of alcohol and other drugs. For more information about Hanley Foundation, please visit hanleyfoundation.org or call 561-268-2355. Follow on Instagram and Facebook @HanleyFoundation, and on LinkedIn and Twitter @HanleyFNDN.
