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Counseling and Wellness to offer free trainings to Western community

CW: Discussion of suicide prevention

With the recent losses, news, and events in our community, many of us are experiencing levels of distress that may impact our mental health. The Counseling and Wellness Center is hosting several trainings for students, faculty, and staff in the coming weeks that are designed to build the capacity of our community to respond to mental distress.

QPR Suicide Prevention Training for Students, Faculty, and Staff

Students, faculty, and staff can register for a 90-minute in-person QPR (Question, Persuade, Respond) suicide prevention training by visiting https://cwc.wwu.edu/suicide-prevention. Participants will learn how to recognize warning signs and support someone in need, ask someone questions about suicide, and refer someone at risk to campus, community, and national resources.

Upcoming QPR training dates:

  • Tuesday, Oct. 29, 3:30-5 PM (faculty and staff)
  • Tuesday, Oct. 29, 3:30-5 PM (students)
  • Wednesday, Nov. 6, 12-1:30 PM (faculty and staff)
  • Tuesday, Nov. 12, 3:30-5 PM (students)

Mental Health First Aid Training for Faculty and Staff

Faculty and staff, including student employees, can also register for an 8-hour virtual Mental Health First Aid training on Monday, Nov. 18, by visiting https://cwc.wwu.edu/mental-health-first-aid-training. Participants will learn risk factors and warning signs for mental health and addiction concerns, strategies for how to help someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations, and where to turn for help.


24/7 Crisis Resources

Remember, you are never alone, and we can all help prevent suicide. Support is available 24/7. Don’t wait to start the conversation.

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988, or chat 988lifeline.org 
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 
  • Trevor Project (support for LGBTQ youth): Text START to 678678, or call 866-488-7386 
  • Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988 then press 1, or text 838255
  • Native and Strong Lifeline: Call 988 then press 4