The Columbia Catholic Mental Health Ministry will host a training event aimed at equipping youths with mental health awareness and suicide prevention skills. The Mental Health Awareness and QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Training will take place on Saturday, May 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church Parish Center, 404 Cherry St., Columbia.

This training is open to youths age 12 and older, as well as adult counselors. Parental consent is required for students under 18 who wish to participate in the QPR segment. The event, which is offered in partnership with Columbia Catholic Youth Ministry, will include a half-hour break for pizza, which will be provided.

The Mental Health Awareness (MHA) Training portion of the event will educate participants on common mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, addiction, panic attacks, and eating disorders. It aims to reduce stigma, promote emotional wellness, and teach participants how to recognize symptoms and assist those struggling with mental health challenges.

The QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Training is an evidence-based, nationally recognized certification program that teaches suicide prevention techniques. Participants will learn to identify warning signs of suicide, engage with at-risk individuals, and connect them with appropriate resources. Each participant will receive a QPR booklet and certification upon completion.

The training will be conducted by Jayne Miller, a mental health educator affiliated with WellSpan Health. Miller serves as WellSpan's Lebanon County crisis intervention counselor and has extensive experience in mental health crisis intervention, education, and outreach. She has been recognized as one of the top trainers in the country for Mental Health First Aid USA.

QPR training is meant to empower individuals to act as gatekeepers in suicide prevention, ensuring that those in crisis receive support and intervention.

The Columbia Catholic Mental Health Ministry, a collaboration between St. Peter and Holy Trinity parishes, seeks to provide spiritual and emotional support for individuals experiencing mental health challenges and their families. While not a substitute for professional treatment, the ministry offers education, advocacy, and more to foster a more informed and compassionate community.

Registration is free but required by Monday, May 5. While there is no fee to attend, donations will be accepted to help cover the cost of materials and lunch. For more information, contact deacon Jim Doyle at ccmentalhealthministry@gmail.com or call 717-343-1102.