Suicide Prevention Training Sessions

Dear Editor,

As we come to the close of 2023, we are gearing up for lots of free suicide prevention training in the community! FCC has partnered with 1st General Baptist Church of Malden, MO and Ely Baptist Church of Kennett, MO to host the first two trainings of 2024! The first event will be held at 1st General Baptist Church of Malden on January 13th from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The second event will be hosted at Ely Baptist Church in Kennett, MO on January 26, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Both events will have QPR(Question, Persuade, Refer) and CSSH(Conversations for Suicide Safer Homes) training modules and lived experience speakers to share their personal stories for the community to hear.

These trainings are vital in the fight against decades of stigma that surround the conversation about suicidal ideation. The training we teach states that, “to save one, we must train hundreds. To save hundreds we must train thousands.” We are well on our way to training hundreds! We continue to call on the community to join us as we train individuals to recognize the signs of someone in crisis and engage that person with community resources to get help. The training also states that, “if someone in suicidal crisis gets help, they may never be suicidal again.”

As we move into 2024, FCC Behavioral Health and the Missouri Institute for Mental Health will continue to offer FREE training to the public. We are calling on the faith-based community and local employers to reach out and schedule a training for their organizations. When someone feels like they are all alone, let us remind them that their community values them and cares about their well-being. You are not alone!

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts and/or feelings, please call FCCBH or 988 and get the help and links to resources you/they deserve!

John Cornelius III

Suicide Prevention Specialist I

FCC Poplar Bluff, MO