Ohio Wesleyan University has been awarded a Youth Suicide Prevention grant from the Ohio Department of Health. Psychology Professor Vicki DiLillo and Health and Human Kinetics Professor Chris Fink will lead this important initiative in partnership with the Delaware Public Health District. Through this grant, OWU students will receive QPR (Question, Persuade and Refer) Gatekeeper Training—an evidence-based suicide prevention program designed to teach participants how to recognize warning signs and respond effectively to mental health crises. Developed in 1995 by Paul Quinnett, QPR training equips “gatekeepers”—individuals positioned to notice when someone may be struggling—with practical skills to intervene during critical moments. Students completing QPR training will learn to:
- Recognize warning signs that someone may be contemplating suicide
- Offer hope and support during crisis situations
- Connect individuals to appropriate mental health resources
This training represents part of OWU’s ongoing commitment to supporting student mental health and wellbeing. Participants will gain valuable skills that can help save lives within our campus community and beyond. For more information about mental health resources at OWU, visit our Counseling Services webpage.
OWU Sponsoring Organization/Office: Office of Sponsored Research and Projects
Contact: Susan Zimmerman at grants@owu.edu