By BERNADETTE LAURITZEN
Executive Director
C’YA

WHAT?!?! There’s a data point in a portion of the suicide prevention training that states it easier for people to ask about your sex life, then to ask if you might be having suicidal thoughts.

So, now that I have your attention, I thought I’d address some issues. Recently, my credentials were questioned when someone wanted to know what training I have to be teaching this class? I am a certified trainer, with credentials from the QPR Institute, paid a large fee for the opportunity with a grant from the Women’s Christian Service Society of the United Church of Los Alamos.

I was the Los Alamos Public Schools Prevention Specialist for almost 5 years. The middle and high school principals were supportive of my work and wonderful people. However, when other supervisors leaned extremely hard on my becoming a counselor when my goal was prevention, I knew it was time to go.

I have experience as a military wife, parent, working with youth for more than 20 years, and senior citizens full time for at least 4 years.

Many of these populations have stress, depression and possible thoughts of suicide, so it was time to get back to basics.

While the QPR training is not designed to get regular citizens to be counselors, it is designed to help you see the warning signs. I hope community members will take one hour to learn something new that may help down the road. We’ll provide an awesome booklet, local and state resources and send you on your way. We will even bring the training to your place of employment for FREE.

Please join us 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 29, at White Rock Branch Library. Call 505.695.9139 for information. The training is for the first 35 students, ages 18 and older.