The University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB) recently implemented QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Suicide Prevention Training for faculty and staff as part of its ongoing efforts to improve mental health support among students and employees. The training, led by Dr. Maggie Beshears, Director of Counseling at UACCB, reflects the college’s partnership with White River Health to strengthen campus-wide well-being resources.
QPR is an evidence-based intervention program that prepares individuals to recognize warning signs of a mental health crisis, provide hope, and guide those in distress toward professional care. Often compared to CPR for its emphasis on equipping laypeople to act during emergencies, QPR focuses specifically on psychological crises.
“Equipping our campus community with the confidence to recognize warning signs and initiate compassionate, direct conversations makes a profound difference for our students,” said Dr. Beshears, who is also a licensed professional counselor. “Through our partnership with White River Health, we are strengthening our safety net and creating a culture where asking for help is normalized and supported.”
The training complements UACCB’s recently established Mental Health Advocacy initiative, which includes a multidisciplinary team of faculty and staff working to expand mental health awareness, improve resource connections, identify additional training needs, and recommend wellness programming. Together, these efforts aim to reduce stigma, encourage early intervention, and ensure students and employees can easily access needed support.
These initiatives are part of a broader push to embed wellness into the fabric of campus culture. Among upcoming events to further that mission, UACCB is hosting Mental Health Week from September 14–18. The week will feature a range of activities, including a mental health presentation, free health screenings, mindfulness meditation sessions, stress-relief projects, and Caring Campus events. Students and employees will also have opportunities to participate in additional QPR training and refresher sessions.
By providing these resources and training programs, UACCB is taking proactive steps to ensure its campus community is prepared to recognize and respond to mental health challenges while promoting an environment of care and connection.