Mental health and suicide prevention training for students and staff is NOT mandatory, but we strongly encourage it. The more students feel comfortable supporting a struggling student, the better chance of positive outcomes. The following are a few suggested mental health and suicide prevention training. These have been vetted by SAVE and are recommended; however, many other good training programs exist. The below training programs may also be offered free of charge through your state or county public health departments. Other student activity groups or departments on campus may also have free access to the below. If you need additional assistance finding a free training, please let us know. You may also develop your own training. Please send to the Bandana Project Staff for a quick review before implementation.

LivingWorks Start 
Company Website: https://www.livingworks.net/
Description: LivingWorks Start will increase your awareness of the many ways in which suicide can impact individuals in your community. A 4-step model is used to help you learn how to identify and respond to signs that someone may be thinking about suicide. You will learn to: read the signs of suicide, begin a direct and open conversation about suicide, and facilitate a connection to further help. Once trained in LivingWorks Start, you will play a vital role in ensuring that people who are thinking about suicide feel less alone and access the help they need to keep safe and find hope.
Training format: Online course
Time commitment: 90 minutes
Cost: $39.95
How to access: Online training link
Recertification: None

QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer)
Company website: https://www.qprinstitute.com/
Description: QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer — the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. People trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help.
Training format: Online course
Time Commitment: 1 hour- completed at any time
Cost: $29.95
How to access: Online training link
Recertification: Every 2 years

Mental Health First Aid
Company website: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/
Description: Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. Youth Mental Health First Aid is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, suicide, substance use disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD), and eating disorders.
Training format: In person instructor-led OR blended (online and in person)
Time commitment: In person, instructor led- 6.5 hours; Blended- 2-hour, online course, and participate in a 4.5- to 5.5-hour, Instructor-led training. This Instructor-led Training can be a  video conference or an in-person class.
Cost: Free for most
How to access: Find a course near you
Recertification: None