September is Suicide Prevention Month. We can all help prevent suicide. Gatekeeper training teaches people without professional mental health backgrounds to recognize the signs that someone may be considering suicide, establish a dialogue, and guide the person to seek professional help. This can be an immediate intervention to save lives – and it’s something that anyone can learn to do.
Because of the importance of mental well-being in the veterinary profession, the AVMA is providing gatekeeper training to a limited number of veterinarians and veterinary students. QPR training is free for AVMA and SAVMA members. You can also access the QPR training website directly; the short training is available for a nominal fee.
Watch AASV members share their stories in the Veterinary Well-being video. Find other resources offered by AASV on the AASV Well-being webpage.
Suicide hotlines in North America:
[USA] National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-TALK(8255) or http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
[CAN] Crisis Services Canada: 1.833.456.4566; Québec: 1.866.277.3553
[MEX] 525-510-2550; SAPTEL: (55) 5259-8121