RiverValley Behavioral Health has partnered with Owensboro High School to implement “QPR” suicide prevention training for all freshmen students. The initiative, scheduled from February 17 to February 20, 2026, aims to equip approximately 300 students with critical skills to identify and address mental health crises.
The QPR acronym stands for “Question, Persuade, Refer.” This training empowers students to recognize warning signs of suicidal behavior, ask vital questions, and encourage their peers to seek help from trusted adults and professionals. The program’s approach is similar to CPR, which prepares individuals for medical emergencies; QPR prepares students for mental health crises.
Jennifer Luttrell, Principal of Owensboro High School, emphasized the importance of this training. She stated, “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.” Luttrell expressed a commitment to fostering an environment where students can respond with care and confidence during crises.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among teenagers in the United States. In Kentucky, recent statistics indicate a concerning number of high school students reporting persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. This training is part of a broader effort to enhance mental health awareness and reduce stigma associated with mental health issues.
Over the course of four days, twelve training sessions will be conducted, facilitated by seven trainers from RiverValley Behavioral Health. The collaboration aims not only to provide immediate training for freshmen but also to extend similar support to seniors later in the academic year.
The shared goal of RiverValley Behavioral Health and Owensboro High School is to create a supportive community that prioritizes mental health. By fostering these skills in students, both organizations hope to cultivate a culture of care and proactive response to mental health challenges among young people.
The initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need for mental health education within schools, particularly as data continues to highlight the struggles faced by students today. With this training, Owensboro High School is taking a significant step towards ensuring that students are prepared to support one another in times of crisis.
