BRANSON, Mo. – Missouri’s suicide rate is sadly above the national average, prompting action from local health officials. The Taney County Health Department has been on a mission to change that by training residents in suicide prevention.
In the past three years, they have educated hundreds of people, including firefighters from the Western Taney County Fire District. Recently, health educators Kara Miller and Brenda Seewald shared vital skills with the firefighters, emphasizing the importance of asking the right questions when someone might be having suicidal thoughts. Miller explained, “If you ask a question, you can save a life. We’ve seen it happen here in Taney County.” The program they use is called QPR, which stands for Question, Persuade, Refer.
Firefighters often face people in distress. Cory Roebuck, a former firefighter turned chaplain, shared how personal this topic is for him. “We’ve all been touched by someone with suicidal thoughts or actions. It hits close to home,” he said. With 13 years in the field, Roebuck has sadly encountered instances where suicide was involved, and he believes the training equips firefighters with tools for prevention.
To date, over 1,100 people have completed this training. Miller recalled a touching moment when their very first session led to immediate action. “A local organization used the skills taught to help someone the very next day,” she said. This highlights just how crucial this training can be.
Worryingly, suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people in Missouri. “We know of several teenagers lost to suicide, and we’re determined to stop this trend,” Miller mentioned. But this training isn’t just about helping others; it also addresses the mental well-being of the firefighters themselves. It’s estimated that around 100 firefighters die by suicide each year in the U.S. That statistic deeply troubles Assistant Fire Chief Jim Furgerson, who has served close to 30 years in the field.
Furgerson stressed the growing concern around mental health among firefighters. “We’ve seen a rise in firefighter suicides recently, making it critical for us to address these issues,” he said. The QPR program not only helps recognize warning signs but also encourages starting tough conversations and knowing where to seek help.
Roebuck was impressed with the training, saying, “It gave us practical tools we can use daily.” Miller echoed this sentiment, saying the training is empowering as they work to save lives. The Taney County Health Department also partners with veterans’ groups and local schools, offering the same crucial training to a wider audience. It’s free to anyone in Taney County who wants to learn these lifesaving skills.
Other organizations, like the Community Partnership of the Ozarks, are also offering QPR training for free across several counties, including Greene, Christian, Taney, and Howell. Everyone deserves access to these important resources for mental health and safety.
Check out this related article: Run for a Cause: Celebrate Mental Health at the 4th Annual Mind & Body Connection 5K and Walk!
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