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Certain professions, such as farming, emergency response and military service, have unique challenges and stressors. Such challenges can produce both short-term and long-term impacts. And now, Iowa’s communities and families are coping with additional stressors related to the imposed isolation and economic conditions produced by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In response to this additional stress, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will be offering five additional online “Question. Persuade. Refer.” programs beginning Tuesday, June 16, said David Brown, behavioral health specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. QPR is a suicide prevention program that teaches participants three steps to help save a life from suicide.
“Just as people trained in CPR and the Heimlich maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade and refer someone to help,” Brown explained.
ISU Extension and Outreach will offer QPR at a variety of dates to meet the busy schedules of those in these high-risk professions. Each program will last for one hour. Those dates and times are as follows:
- Tuesday, June 16 at 12 p.m.
- Thursday, June 18 at 12 p.m.
- Tuesday, June 23 at 12 p.m.
- Thursday, June 25 at 12 p.m.
- Tuesday, June 30 at 12 p.m.
Agribusiness professionals, producers, sheriffs, police officers, firefighters, EMTs, veterans and military members can register at no cost for any of these programs. You can register here. Participants will receive a unique URL prior to the program to access the Zoom hosted program.
Other resources
Iowa Concern, offered by ISU Extension and Outreach, provides confidential access to stress counselors and an attorney for legal education, as well as information and referral services for a wide variety of topics. With a toll-free phone number, live chat capabilities and a website, Iowa Concern services are available 24 hours a day, seven days per week at no charge. To reach Iowa Concern, call 800-447-1985; language interpretation services are available. Or, visit the website, to live chat with a stress counselor one-on-one in a secure environment. Or, email an expert regarding legal, finance, stress, or crisis and disaster issues.
Finding Answers Now. As Iowans deal with disruptions to their families and communities, this website provides information to help you cope with concerns about stress and relationships, personal finance, and nutrition and wellness.
211 is a free, comprehensive information and referral line linking Iowa residents to health and human service programs, community services, disaster services and governmental programs. This service is collaborating with the Iowa Department of Public Health to provide confidential assistance, stress counseling, education and referral services related to COVID-19 concerns.
June 8, 2020 - Iowa State Extension
