A free two-session seminar on suicide prevention will be held at the Adams Boulevard Church of Christ next month.

The seminar is set for May 9 at the church, which is located at 3700 SE Adams Blvd. in Bartlesville . The first session – scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to noon – will focus on “Question, Persuade, Refer Training.” The second – from 1-4 p.m. – will spotlight possible community action plans.

Those who would like to register can call M'Liss Jenkins (335-3005) or email Gina Elias ( gelias@cableone.net ). Registration fees are covered by the Youth Suicide Prevention Grant. The seminar is sponsored by the Washington County Health Department, the Oklahoma State Department of Mental Health Suicide Prevention Project, the Washington County Association for Mental Health, the Washington County Child Guidance Association, Systems of Care, and the Turning Point Alcohol & Drug Center.

Between the years 1993 and 2005, Washington County endured 87 suicides. Oklahoma has one of the highest suicide rates in the country.

The seminar on May 9 will focus in part on helping those in attendance to recognize the warning signs of those who may be considering suicide, thus perhaps preventing a tragedy.

Covered in the first session, “Question, Persuade, Refer Training” consists of three life-saving skills: Question a person about suicide, persuade the person to get help, and refer the person to the appropriate resource.

The second session will look at how all sectors of the community – including social service professionals, those from faith-based organizations, employers, legislators, educators and parents – can develop a comprehensive action plan for Washington County .

Bartlesville Public Schools, David Austin, Community Relations Coordinator