Just as people trained in CPR help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR — Question, Persuade, Refer — learn how to recognize the signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade and refer someone to help.

Gatekeepers can be anyone. They often include parents, friends, neighbors, teachers, ministers, doctors, nurses, office supervisors, and anyone willing to learn how to support someone who might be in a suicide-related crisis.

QPR Gatekeepers learn to recognize the signs of suicide, know how to offer help, and know how to get help and transform a life.

Readers are invited to join the local QPR training planned for Wednesday, April 9, at Newtown Community Center, 8 Simpson Street.

The free two-hour event will begin at 6 pm.

Newtown residents Jennifer and Neil Chaudhary have been trained by the QPR Institute, and will serve as facilitators for the local event.

There is no fee, but registration is required. Visit Eventbrite.com and search for Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Training to register. Space is limited to 35 attendees.

The event is sponsored by Newtown Prevention Partnership, Rotary Club of Newtown, and Newtown Suicide Prevention Initiative.