At One Community One Family, we believe that knowledge is power when it comes to mental health. That’s why we’re proud to offer two transformative trainings: Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and Question Persuade Refer (QPR) suicide prevention training. MHFA equips participants with the skills to identify, understand, and respond to mental health and substance use challenges in both adults and youth. Meanwhile, QPR teaches essential techniques to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and take immediate, life-saving action. Together, these trainings empower individuals across our community to intervene with compassion, promote mental well-being, and ultimately, save lives.
Recognizing that certain groups within our community face unique challenges, OCOF recently tailored specialized MHFA sessions for our courageous first responders. After reviewing community mental health data, we identified that Fire/EMS personnel and law enforcement/community supervision personnel were at a higher risk and in greater need of support. For instance, Nathan Stoermer, Chief of Greensburg Fire Department and now an MHFA trainer, shared, “Becoming a Mental Health First Aide trainer has empowered me to positively impact others by sharing essential skills and knowledge. The support and techniques I’ve learned not only improved my overall well-being and quality of life but also emphasized the need for everyone to benefit from this invaluable training, fostering a supportive community.”
Law enforcement professionals echoed this sentiment: Katie Shrader remarked, “A thought provoking and much needed training in a world that continues to evolve with an increasing need to recognize the importance of receiving this type of first aid training,” while Abigail Harry added that she feels hopeful that after encouraging her staff to participate in this training, they will feel like their supervisors are truly available to provide support if they find themselves in a personally fraught and challenging moment. These tailored sessions demonstrate our commitment to ensuring that those who serve our community receive the mental health support they deserve.
The impact of these trainings extends far beyond first responders. Attendees from a wide array of backgrounds have shared how both MHFA and QPR have reshaped their perspectives and empowered them to act during crises. One participant, Katie LaBolt, noted, “The statistics were really important to understanding the impact suicide has on the US and the world,” while another anonymous attendee shared, “I feel more empowered to help someone who may be having a crisis.” Carrie D. reflected, “I’ve come to realize that I can truly make a difference. A decision to end one’s life isn’t final—it can be changed through the care and influence of someone who steps in at the right moment before action is taken.” These testimonials underscore the profound influence of these trainings—helping individuals not only to recognize warning signs but also to offer the right support at the right time.
We invite you to join us in this mission of empowerment and compassion. Whether you’re a community member, a first responder, or someone who simply cares about the well-being of others, participating in MHFA and QPR training can make a real difference. For the most up-to-date training listings, please visit our website at onecommunityonefamily.org/services/participate-in-a-training. If you’d like to request a future training session in your area, fill out our form here. Together, we can build a stronger, more supportive community—one conversation, one intervention, and one life at a time.
Photos of recent MHFA & QPR training attendees from training sessions provided by One Community One Family
