QPR Suicide Prevention Certification Program
Because every life matters
The QPR Suicide Prevention Certification Program equips individuals with critical, evidence-based skills to help prevent suicide and offer life-saving support to those in crisis.
QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer—three simple steps that anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide.
In this 2.5-hour live virtual training, participants will:
- Understand the myths and facts surrounding suicide
- Recognize warning signs of suicidal ideation
- Learn how to effectively ask the right questions
- Gain tools to persuade someone to seek help
- Master referral techniques to connect individuals with professional resources
- Receive a nationally recognized QPR Certificate of Completion
Why QPR Matters
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States and globally. Many who consider suicide exhibit warning signs—signs that can be recognized and acted upon with proper training.
The QPR method is designed for everyone—you do not need to be a mental health professional to make a difference. Whether you are a community leader, educator, parent, social worker, coach, friend, or colleague—you can save a life.
Program Features
- Live, interactive virtual format
- Taught by Certified QPR Master Trainers
- In partnership with Florida A&M University
- Meets requirements for many CEU and professional training credits
- Includes Pre- and Post-Training Surveys for quality assurance and impact evaluation
- Certificate issued upon completion of the training and required surveys
Upcoming Training Date
| Date | Time (Pacific) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| September 10, 2025 | 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM PST | Suicide Prevention Month: Raising Awareness & Building Community Capacity Discount Code: To be announced REGISTER HERE |
Featured Instructor
Dr. Alicia L. Jackson, PhD
Coordinator of Clinical Programs and Certified QPR Trainer, Florida A&M University
Executive Fellow, Fathers and Families Coalition of America
Dr. Jackson is a nationally respected clinician, educator, and Certified QPR Master Trainer. She has trained thousands of professionals nationally and internationally in best practices for trauma, clinical supervision, and suicide prevention.
Who Should Attend?
- Mental Health Professionals & Clinicians
- Educators & School Staff
- Child Welfare & Family Advocates
- First Responders & Healthcare Providers
- Faith Leaders & Community Advocates
- Employers, HR Professionals, and Workplace Supervisors
- Parents & Caregivers
- Anyone committed to preventing suicide and supporting well-being in their community
The Power of One
If this training helps you reach one individual in need — it is worth everything.
Your voice. Your action. Your presence — can be a bridge from despair to hope.
For More Information or Group Registrations
Contact: Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW
President & CEO
Fathers and Families Coalition of America
james.rodriguez@fathersandfamiliescoalition.org
Empowering Communities to Save Lives
Every day, countless lives are saved through CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver. Yet, suicide remains one of the leading causes of preventable death worldwide. The key to prevention is early intervention—recognizing warning signs and knowing how to respond.
The QPR (Question, Persuade, and Refer) Suicide Prevention Certification Program, offered in partnership with Florida A&M University, equips individuals with essential skills to identify warning signs of suicide, offer hope, and connect those in crisis with professional help.
Dr. Alicia L. Jackson, PhD, Coordinator of Clinical Programs and Certified QPR Trainer at Florida A&M University's Office of Counseling Services and 2025–2027 Executive Fellow at the Fathers and Families Coalition of America, will lead this critical training. Participants will earn a QPR Gatekeeper Certification and gain valuable Continuing Education Units (CEUs) needed for professional skill development.
This 2.5-hour virtual program is held bi-monthly, with special offerings during Mental Health Awareness Month (May), National Suicide Prevention Month (September), and the 26th International Families and Fathers Conference (April 2025).
Why QPR Certification Matters
Suicide is a public health crisis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- Suicide rates have increased by over 30% in the last two decades.
- For every death by suicide, there are over 25 attempts.
- 80% of people who die by suicide show warning signs beforehand.
Yet, suicide is preventable. The QPR model is designed to equip everyday individuals with life-saving intervention skills, just as CPR prepares people to respond to cardiac emergencies.
QPR-trained individuals, or Gatekeepers, are strategically positioned to recognize warning signs, intervene, and refer crisis-affected individuals to appropriate support services.
Who Can Be a Gatekeeper?
Anyone can be trained to recognize and respond to a suicide crisis, including:
- Parents and caregivers
- Educators and school counselors
- Mental health and social service professionals
- First responders and healthcare providers
- Faith leaders and community advocates
- Employers, HR professionals, and workplace supervisors
Meet Dr. Alicia L. Jackson, PhD
Dr. Alicia L. Jackson, PhD is a renowned mental health expert, Clinical Programs Coordinator, and Certified QPR Trainer at Florida A&M University's Office of Counseling Services. She is a recognized leader in suicide prevention, crisis intervention, and trauma-informed care.
In 2025, Dr. Jackson was appointed as the Executive Fellow of the Fathers and Families Coalition of America (FFCA) for the 2025-2027 term, furthering her impact on national and global mental health initiatives through her leadership, expertise, and dedication to advancing community wellness.
Dr. Jackson’s work continues to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and real-world application, empowering individuals, organizations, and communities to take proactive steps toward suicide prevention and mental wellness.
Join us in this mission—get QPR certified and become part of the solution.
#LeadWithLove #QPRTraining #SuicidePrevention #BeTheBridge