September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to come together as a community and prioritize mental health. At °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ, we believe in the power of connection and the importance of open conversations and belonging. This month, we encourage students, staff, and faculty to check in with themselves and each other, learn the warning signs, and understand the resources available both on and off campus. Remember, you don't have to be a mental health expert to make a difference; sometimes, the simple act of listening can be the most powerful tool.
Throughout September and the following months there will be a variety of events designed to build awareness of resources, trainings, and referrals. We invite you to join us for these opportunities to connect, learn, and grow together. Whether it's a workshop, stopping by tabling, or a community gathering, each event is a chance to strengthen the safety net we've built here at Pacific. Look for more details about the following events:
Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Suicide Prevention Training
September 11th, 12-1PM in Forest Grove and via Zoom
November 10th, 4-5PM via Zoom
Join staff from the Student Counseling Center and be trained in Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR), a national recognized suicide prevention training. This empirically-validated training will equip you to recognize the warning signs, clues, and suicidal communication of people at risk as well as gain the skills to act and help save a life.
Be Sensitive, Be Brave for Suicide Prevention
October 13th, 11:30-1PM via Zoom
What is Be Sensitive Be Brave for Suicide Prevention? The BSBB for Suicide Prevention training gives foundational information about how to detect possible suicide risk and connect those at risk with the help they need. Be Sensitive, Be Brave refers to the two step method of helping at-risk individuals, sensitively, but directly inquiring as to whether they are thinking about suicide, and bravely connecting them with culturally appropriate resources and relationships that can increase their safety.
You can register for the above trainings and other Student Counseling Center workshops .
If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that help is available. The Student Counseling Center is here to support you, and we encourage you to utilize our services. For immediate assistance, you can call the Student Counseling Center 24/7 Crisis and Support Line @ 503-352-2999. Staff and Faculty can contact Canopy, our Employee Assistance Provider, @ 800-433-2320. The National Suicide Crisis Lifeline is available via call and text at 988.
Your wellbeing is our top priority, and we are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for everyone in our community.