In a proactive move to combat the city's suicide rates, the Chicago Department of Public Health is rolling out a community-centered suicide prevention strategy, kicking off with free training sessions designed to equip residents and city workers with the tools to help those at risk. The "Question. Persuade. Refer." (QPR) Gatekeeper trainings, which are an evidence-based approach, aim to enable individuals to spot the warning signs of suicide and provide appropriate aid.
Mayor Brandon Johnson praised the initiative, stating, "My administration has been committed since day one to expanding resources to help residents and communities deal with the effects of trauma.” The CDPH is spearheading this initiative in observance of Mental Health Awareness Month, opting to start in areas with the highest recorded rates of suicide mortalities.
The CDPH noted the troubling statistics from 2023, which saw 220 suicide deaths among Chicago citizens, with a majority being males and the 45-64 age group being the most affected. Trainings will focus on the different communities and include a varied demographic, including public sector workers, with an immediate start with CDPH staff and library employees.
Dr. Olusimbo ‘Simbo’ Ige, CDPH Commissioner, underscored the need for a systemic approach to behavioral health, saying, “Public health is all about prevention at the population level.” With the establishment of the QPR Instructor Cohort, the CDPH has created a network of gatekeepers, boasting over 50 public health professionals ready to conduct further trainings across the city.
Workshops will be free and 1.5 hours long, hosted in several Chicago Public Library branches and Chicago Park District locations, including Mount Greenwood, Calumet Heights, and Norwood Park, among others. For those wishing to get involved, more information and registration for upcoming sessions can be found on the CDPH's official website.
Additionally, the initiative is set to grow, with plans to continue providing QPR trainings that cater to sub-communities within Chicago identified as high-risk populations for suicide. Recognizing the importance of accessibility, the department will offer virtual trainings and sessions in multiple languages.
The CDPH also reminds Chicagoans that if they or someone they know is experiencing mental health-related distress or is in crisis, they should reach out to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which offers confidential, free, around-the-clock support through call, text, or chat.
