OWENSBORO, Ky. (WFIE) – RiverValley Behavorial Health has announced a new partnership with Owensboro High School to provide “QPR” suicide prevention training.
“QPR” stands for “Question, Persuade, Refer”. This type of training will be for all OHS freshmen. Approximately 300 students will participate in this evidence-based training starting on Tuesday, February 17 through February 20.
OHS Principal Jennifer Luttrell and officials with RiverValley Behavorial Health Partners have been talking about ways to help students by promoting more mental health awareness and reducing the stigma.
OHS Principal Jennifer Luttrell says, “This training equips our students with an evidence-based strategy to manage their mental health, recognize signs of suicide, and take action that could save lives. Our goal is for our Red Devils to respond with care and confidence in a crisis situation. This training helps develop the skills necessary to do just that.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is still one of the leading causes of death among teenagers in the United States. In Kentucky, recent data shows that a significant percentage of high school students say they’ve experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness.
Through QPR training, OHS students will learn how to recognize warning signs, ask questions, encourage their friends to seek help, and connect them to trusted adults and professional resources.
Much like CPR prepares individuals to respond to a medical emergency, QPR prepares students to respond to a mental health crisis.
12 training sessions will be offered over four days. Seven RVBH trainers will work collaboratively to ensure all students receive the instruction.
OHS and RVBH intend to continue working together like this to provide additional related training to OHS seniors in April of this year.
Copyright 2026 WFIE. All rights reserved.