988

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) offers 24/7 call, text and chat access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing suicidal, substance use, and/or mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.

What is QPR?

Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) is a suicide-prevention training designed to educate people from all walks of life how to recognize the warning signs of suicide. QPR training helps people get comfortable asking the question "Are you thinking about suicide?" and then helping others get appropriate help. 

QPR training can be delivered in about one hour and is designed for all “gatekeepers." A gatekeeper, according to the Surgeon General’s National Strategy for Suicide Prevention (2001), is anyone who is in a position to recognize when someone is in a crisis and  may be contemplating suicide. QPR does not require participants to become crisis counselors but will increase their understanding of resources.   

Your EAP can provide free QPR trainings for groups of 25 or less. Free individual training also is available. Please contact us at eaphelp@uiowa.edu.  

For more information, see suicidepreventionlifeline.org or call 988.

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What is Kognito?

Kognito is an online, interactive role-play simulation program for students, faculty, and staff, post docs, medical residents that builds awareness, knowledge and skills about mental health and suicide prevention. It prepares users to lead real-life conversations with fellow students and colleagues who are in distress and demonstrates how to connect them with the support they need.  

Rarely does an event evoke more emotions than suicide. In addition to the personal toll on family and friends, suicide can also have an impact on the workplace. People in distress often turn to those they know rather than seek professional help. Kognito training and QPR can give you the tools to start the conversation and make a difference. Join us in our efforts to prevent suicide.

Earn 100 Livewell points by completing Kognito!  Go to your MY LIVEWELL portal (in self service under the Benefits & Wellness tab) after you have completed Kognito and enter KOGNITODONE in the bonus code box.  Call 335-2085 with questions.

Enroll in training

Additional Resources:

• CommUnity
• Duke University
  • Personal Assistance Service
  • Understanding Grief
• Mayo Clinic:
  • Suicide and Suicidal Thoughts
  • Suicide Grief: Healing after a loved one's suicide
• Suicide Survivors Face Grief, Questions, Challenges (Harvard Health Publications)
• Suicide Survivors
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
• Warning Signs of Suicide (National Institute of Mental Health)
• Resources for Bereaved Parents
• Are They Really Ok? (RUOK)
• Speaking of Suicide (Helping the Suicidal Person)
• Suicidal Adolescent Family Empowerment (SAFE) Program (University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital)
• A White Paper for HR Professionals and Employment Lawyers - Workplace Suicide Prevention

For more resources and handouts, please contact EAP at 319-335-2085 or eaphelp@uiowa.edu.