San Bernardino County’s Department of Behavioral Health is expanding access to life‑saving suicide prevention education by offering Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) training in Spanish. This new training opportunity supports the county’s commitment to providing behavioral health resources in the languages residents use every day.
Nearly half of San Bernardino County residents speak a language other than English at home, highlighting the importance of offering services that reflect the county’s linguistic diversity.
There is also a significant lack of science‑based suicide prevention information available in Spanish, which can contribute to stigma, misinformation and isolation for Spanish‑speaking individuals and families. Barriers such as fear of judgment and limited awareness of crisis services also make it harder for people to seek help when they need it most.
QPR is an evidence‑based suicide prevention program that teaches participants how to recognize warning signs, engage in supportive conversations and connect individuals to appropriate resources, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Spanish‑language participants will receive the same high‑quality instruction provided in English, with materials adapted to reflect cultural values and community needs. The program also includes education on mental health conditions, risk factors and ways families can support someone who may be experiencing a mental health crisis.
By offering QPR in Spanish, Behavioral Health is working to increase awareness, reduce stigma and expand access to critical mental health resources for Spanish‑speaking residents, reinforcing the county’s commitment to safety, well‑being and equitable access to care.
For more information, contact Behavioral Health at 909-387-6221 or DBHOSP@dbh.sbcounty.gov.
QPR in Spanish: Thursday, July 30 at 9:30 a.m.
Register at: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/y723TrtTMM
