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Iowa’s rural communities and families are still coping with the uncertainty and stress produced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Financial worries continue to contribute to farmers’ anxiety. In response to this continuing impact, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is offering weekly, online “Question. Persuade. Refer.” programs now through February, said Demi Johnson, behavioral health program specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. QPR is a suicide prevention program that teaches participants three steps to help save a life from suicide.
“Just as people trained in CPR and the Heimlich maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, 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,” Johnson explained.
ISU Extension and Outreach will offer QPR every Tuesday from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Each program will last for one hour. Programs are set for Jan. 26 and Feb. 2, 9, 16 and 23.
Agribusiness professionals, agriculture lenders and bankers, veterinarians, vet techs, commodity group members, producers, social service professionals and other concerned individuals can register at no cost for any of these programs. To register, click here. Participants will receive a unique URL prior to the program to access the Zoom hosted program.
Other resources
Iowa Concern, offered by ISU Extension and Outreach, provides confidential access to stress counselors and an attorney for legal education, as well as information and referral services for a wide variety of topics.
COVID Recovery Iowa offers a variety of services to anyone affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual counselors and consultants provide counseling, family finance consultation, farm financial consultation, referral information and help finding resources for any Iowan seeking personal support.
Finding Answers Now. As Iowans deal with disruptions to their families and communities, this website provides information to help you cope with concerns about stress and relationships, personal finance, and nutrition and wellness.
January 20, 2021 - Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
