The NWESD Offers new QPR for School Professionals Class
The Behavioral Health and Prevention Services department has added another resource to its suicide prevention offerings with the introduction of the new 3-hour QPR for School Professionals training. Designed for school social workers, nurses, psychologists and school counselors, the course meets the requirements for Professional Educator Standards Board and Washington State law.
Presenters Elizabeth Ruth, United Hospital District 304, Christine Valdez and Ashia Smock, NWESD, did the first live online training of the new course earlier this month. The course was adapted from a previous version with the approval of the QPR Institute.
In addition to providing information about research, the course teaches about screening, recognition, response, referral and follow up for youth at risk for suicide. Also covered are how to create a culture of school safety while also providing space for discussion among participants.
“I loved the QPR training,” said attendee Azra Grudic, MSW, student support advocate in the Stanwood School District. “Thank you for being so informative and thoughtful, and bringing this topic to the light in a way that empowered the participants in their work with this population. It’s such important work.”
QPR is just one of the suicide prevention resources offered by the Behavioral Health and Prevention Services. Classes are offered through PDEnroller and by request, including Signs of Suicide, Lifelines, Youth Mental Health First Aid, as well as the 90 minute QPR Gatekeeper training.
Check out PDEnroller for these and other resources.
Smock, the NWESD Behavioral Health Navigator, is also available to help district’s work through the OSPI Model District Template for student social, emotional, and behavioral, and mental health recognition, screening and response.
