News Summary
UK Healthcare recently held an event in Hazard, Kentucky, to highlight the importance of suicide prevention and mental health awareness. They announced free QPR training, which educates residents on how to assist individuals in crisis. Dr. Sarah Geegan from the University of Kentucky emphasized the need for community dialogue on mental health issues, especially in light of alarming suicide rates among young people in the state. The initiative aims to change perceptions and encourage intervention skills among the community.
Hazard, Kentucky – On April 22, 2025, representatives from UK Healthcare gathered at the Hazard-Perry County Chamber of Commerce to emphasize the vital importance of suicide prevention and mental health awareness. During this event, they announced that free QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training is now available for Kentucky residents, aimed at equipping individuals with the skills needed to assist those experiencing mental health crises.
Dr. Sarah Geegan, an assistant professor at the University of Kentucky, highlighted the pressing need for dialogue surrounding mental health issues. She described a personal experience that underscored the power of community support during times of tragedy, specifically referencing the devastating tornadoes that struck Bowling Green and the subsequent outpouring of compassion from community members.
According to Marc Witt from UK Healthcare, the initiative is part of a broader statewide campaign designed to raise awareness about suicide prevention in Kentucky, where the suicide rate is particularly alarming. Statistics reveal that suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 10 to 34 in the state, and the current trend of rising suicide rates has prompted UK Healthcare to invest in providing free QPR training licenses.
The QPR training program, which lasts approximately 30 minutes, teaches participants how to recognize the signs of someone in crisis and provides them with resources and conversation starters to facilitate important discussions. The training incorporates videos and quizzes, concluding with a certification upon completion. This program is accessible online at www.ukhealthcare.com/QPR.
Dr. Geegan addressed common misconceptions surrounding discussions of suicidal thoughts, reassuring attendees that these conversations do not promote suicidal ideation but instead play a critical role in saving lives. By offering skills that empower people to intervene with confidence, QPR training aims to change the narrative on mental health and suicide.
In conjunction with this training initiative, May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, while September is dedicated to Suicide Prevention Month. These observances provide valuable opportunities to enhance outreach efforts and promote the importance of mental health support in the community.
NAMI Lexington, an organization celebrating its 40-year history in advocating for mental health support, is another key player in improving mental health education and reducing stigma around mental illness in Kentucky. They have made considerable advancements in providing outreach programs and mental health education. Recent milestones include the opening of new facilities like the EmPATH program and a behavioral health urgent care clinic.
Despite these successes, NAMI Lexington continues to face several challenges, such as the stigma associated with mental health, inconsistent funding, and a heavy reliance on volunteers to operate their programs. The organization emphasizes a collaborative approach involving consumers, family members, and providers to advocate for better mental health care statewide.
Moreover, it is essential to note the historical significance of mental health care in Kentucky, highlighted by the establishment of Eastern State Hospital on May 1, 1824, which stands as the state’s oldest mental health facility. This backdrop reinforces the ongoing need for education, support, and resources in addressing mental health issues within communities.
For those interested in accessing the QPR training, more information can be found on the UK Healthcare website, where Kentucky residents can take advantage of this opportunity to learn about suicide prevention and mental health intervention.
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Additional Resources
- Lane Report: 40 Years of Mental Health Advocacy
- Wikipedia: Mental Health
- Hazard Herald: Kentucky Medicaid Program Ranks 7th Best
- Google Search: Mental Health Advocacy Kentucky
- Local 12: Children’s Home of Northern Kentucky Offers Support
- Google Scholar: Mental Health Awareness Kentucky
- WCPO: Boone County Community Resonate Hope
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Suicide
