ANN ARBOR—To better equip faculty and staff in helping students perceived to be at risk for suicide, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at the University of Michigan is launching a major suicide prevention initiative for the U-M community called QPR—Question, Persuade and Refer.

QPR is a behavioral intervention that focuses on getting a distressed individual referred for professional help. It is intended to teach front-line people how to recognize the warning signs of suicide, including verbal, behavioral and situational clues, according to Todd Sevig, director of CAPS. Front-line people include resident advisers, academic advisers, physicians, friends, religious professionals, faculty, and staff who regularly come into contact with students.

” We know from research that early detection of mental health issues gives a much greater prognosis for recovery and that early intervention can sometimes be critical. This is why there is such an emphasis on warning signs and help