By Scout Nelson
North Dakota State University Extension is hosting a series of free Question-Persuade-Refer (QPR) Suicide Prevention webinars, targeting the wellness needs of individuals in the agricultural sector. Acknowledging the high stress and mental health challenges in agriculture, these 90-minute webinars aim to provide crucial support and skills.
Scheduled for Jan. 9, Feb. 6, and March 5 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. CST, the sessions will offer insights into recognizing and responding effectively to mental health crises and suicidal thoughts. With agriculture workers facing significantly higher suicide rates, this training is an essential resource for awareness and intervention.
Sean Brotherson, an NDSU Extension family science specialist, emphasizes the impact of continuous farm and ranch stress on mental and emotional health. The webinars, led by NDSU Extension agents Katie Henry and Madeleine Smith, are designed to equip participants with the skills to be both receivers and providers of help in mental health crises.
While the webinars focus on those in agriculture, they are open to anyone interested in the topic. Supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the training is free, but registration is limited to the first 30 participants for each session. Early registration is encouraged to secure a spot for the preferred date.
For more details and to register, visit ndsu.ag/qpr-training.
Photo Credit - north-dakota-state-university
Categories: North Dakota, General