George Escalante is the staff engagement resiliency advocate with Salem Health. He’s also the lead chaplain for Salem Police, Fire, and the 911 Dispatch Center. Last year Escalante decided he wanted to take action to bring down the suicide rate in Marion County.

“I’ve responded to a lot of suicide calls, and I’ve seen the impact it has on families, first responders and our community,” Escalante said.

This motivated him to become certified to teach the Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) suicide prevention class. With curriculum built by Lines for Life, the class teaches intervention techniques to connect with people in crisis. Escalante said the mission is to reduce suicidal behaviors.

Asking the right questions

The resiliency advocate said the first step is creating connection to show you care.

“You’re asking the right questions when someone is contemplating suicide, persuading them to get help, then responding and getting them help,” Escalante said. “A lot of people don’t know how to have that conversation. This is to get them comfortable with those hard questions.”

He also encourages his class to check in frequently with those around them.

“It’s looking for signs like isolation or if they’re not being themselves, they’re angry all the time . . .  and just having interpersonal communication with people,” he said.

Persuade then refer

From there, Escalante said the role of persuading is using active listening skills before focusing on a solution. Gentle follow-up questions and empathetic responses can help people stop to think instead of following their more dangerous impulses.

“You’re trying to convince them there’s help out there, and then walking them through that,” he said.

The final step is referring the person to suicide prevention hotlines.

A turning point

Data from the 2023 Marion-Polk Community Health Assessment Update shows a reduction in Marion County suicides over the past three years.

Escalante said he believes QPR classes play a role in that.

“When we start having those conversations it raises awareness,” he said.

How to sign up

This class will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 5, at the Community Health Education Center, in the Salem Hospital Building D Classroom 1.