Participants in the School Community Partnership were invited to attend a 90-minute training on suicide prevention titled "QPR" by Riverside Trauma Center on March 18, 2014 at the Tradewinds at BMC Durfee High School. Invited by Durfee High School School Adjustment Counselor Michaela Hetzler, Licensed Social Worker Joanna Bridger described the "question, persuade, refer" procedure that anyone who encounters a suicidal person can employ. Ms. Bridger went over some of the myths and misunderstandings about suicide before showing a short video from the Mayo Clinic which emphasizes asking about suicidal feelings and arranging a plan to keep the suicidal person safe as well as a video of stories of hope and recovery. "We're seeing increasing numbers of students presenting with suicidal ideation and gestures," stated middle school adjustment counselor Elaine LeBlanc. "We wanted to take a proactive approach as much as possible," stated Hetzler, "and this is a good way to start it." Click here for a twelve-minute video of the first part of the meeting. Click here for photos of a recent meeting of the Partnership. For more information, contact Michaela Hetzler at 508.675.8100, Ext. 1390, or Annemarie Holly at 508-679-0922.

(Top row) Committee co-chair and B.M.C. Durfee High School Adjustment Counselor Michaela Hetzler welcomes Joanna Bridger, LICSW, of Riverside Trauma Center as Stephanie Surdahl from St. Anne's Hospital, Life Together Fellow Philip York and SCI Vista Brian Moses of Partners listen. (Row two) Marianne Scorpio of the Resiliency Middle School introduces herself along with School Wellness Coordinator and United Neighbors Executive Director Wendy-Garf Lipp. (Row three) Ms. Bridger goes over some of the myths and misconceptions about suicide. (Bottom row)  Fall River Housing Authority Youth and Family Coordinator Joey DaSilva listens along with Re-Creation Mass. Promise Fellow Kate Doe as Ms. Bridger introduces a short video that covers some othe the basic elements of responding to a suicidal person.