Connecticut Colleges Launch Urgent Crisis Training to Save Lives

UPDATE: Connecticut colleges are taking immediate action to combat rising suicide rates by training students in crisis intervention techniques. The program, known as Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR), empowers students to recognize warning signs and engage in crucial conversations that could save lives.

On November 18, 2023, at Southern Connecticut State University, students gathered for a hands-on training session led by Erin Duff, a wellbeing specialist. “You don’t have to be a counselor or therapist to help someone,” Duff emphasized, encouraging participants to ask the direct question: “Are you thinking about suicide?” This initiative is crucial as Connecticut faces a concerning trend, with 391 suicide deaths reported in 2024, marking a 15% increase since 1990.

The urgency of this training cannot be overstated. Over the past three decades, suicide rates in Connecticut have risen steadily, averaging 370-400 deaths annually. Young adults aged 20 to 24 account for nearly 6% of these deaths, highlighting the need for immediate intervention on college campuses.

The QPR training sessions, which last 90 minutes, equip participants to identify warning signs and connect individuals in crisis with appropriate resources. Since launching in 2022, SCSU has seen 345 students and staff members complete the training. Other institutions like Central Connecticut State University and the University of Connecticut have also implemented similar programs.

In addition to QPR, the Youth Suicide Prevention Center at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center has trained over 1,000 individuals in identifying suicide risks and facilitating referrals to help. Program coordinator Kristen Volz-Spessard states, “It’s not about treating someone, it’s about identifying risk and saving lives by asking direct questions.”

The Connecticut Suicide Advisory Board (CTSAB) is leading efforts to enhance suicide prevention initiatives across the state, coordinating resources from various agencies. With programs like Fresh Check Day, which promotes mental health awareness, students are encouraged to engage in open discussions about mental health and suicide prevention.

As this initiative gains momentum, students like Jadelyn Garcia Medina, a junior at SCSU, emphasize the importance of understanding mental health. “Learning different ways to support students can make a real difference,” she said.

As Connecticut continues to confront this public health crisis, the message is clear: training thousands of students is essential to saving lives. Executive director of the QPR Institute, Brian Quinnett, stresses the need for a widespread approach: “You need to train thousands to save one, and millions to save thousands.”

The state’s latest Suicide Prevention Plan emphasizes the importance of campus programs, urging colleges to adopt these training sessions as part of their mental health initiatives. With suicide prevention at the forefront, Connecticut is mobilizing resources to ensure that help is available when it’s needed most.

This urgent response to a growing crisis not only highlights the need for immediate action but also fosters a culture of support and awareness among students. As more institutions join the fight against suicide, the hope is that every trained student can be a lifeline for someone in need.