West Hartford Offers Class That Could Save Lives

WEST HARTFORD, CT — One never knows when they will be in a position to save a life, so preparing for an eventuality that, hopefully, will never come to fruition is a step toward doing so.

West Hartford health officials later this month are hosting a special training session aimed at helping community members save a life should they encounter a suicidal person or someone overdosing on drugs.

The training is called "QPR Gatekeeper Suicide Prevention and Narcan Administration" and its been a proven weapon that has saved lives nationally.

The Town of West Hartford is inviting anyone interested to participate in free training on QPR Gatekeeper Suicide Prevention and Narcan Administration.

It will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 24, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Noah Webster Library, 20 S. Main St.

"People of all ages from any town are welcome to attend," wrote the Town of West Hartford. "Learn how to save lives using these two methods."

QPR stands for "question, persuade and refer" and its a three-word acronym anyone can use when coming across someone looking to commit suicide.

QPR suicide prevention training includes:

• How to "question, persuade and refer" someone who may be suicidal.

• How to recognize the warning signs of suicide.

• How to get help for someone in a crisis.

While not necessarily a suicide attempt, someone overdosing on opioids is another critical, life-threatening situation that anyone can come across, which is why special training for that scenario is also being offered.

Narcan (naloxon) administration training, which can combat an overdose, includes:

• Recognizing the symptoms of opioid overdose.

• Administering Narcan, a proven, life-saving medication.

• Understanding of the Good Samaritan Law.

• Learning where to find information and resources

Each participant will receive a Narcan kit, which is one box of naloxone (Narcan) containing two doses (nasal spray).

Registration is required, so those interested should email Kenniece.Coker@westhartfordct.gov. For more information, call the West Hartford-Bloomfield Health District at 860-561-7900.

(Note: If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. As of July 16, 2022, 988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. This dialing code is available to everyone across the United States.)