Community Counseling Center sees surge in suicide prevention training in early 2026

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

SOUTHEAST MISSOURI (KBSI) — The Community Counseling Center says participation in its suicide prevention training program has surged in early 2026, with more than 100 people already trained in the first eight weeks of the year.

The center reported training 109 people in QPR suicide prevention — which stands for Question, Persuade and Refer — during the first two months of 2026. By comparison, 22 people completed the training during all of 2025.

Officials say the increase means more community members across the organization’s five-county service area now have skills to recognize and respond to potential suicide crises.

“The support from the Foundation is what makes these sessions possible,” said Rick Strait, the center’s suicide prevention coordinator.

The Community Counseling Center Foundation helps cover the cost of training materials and supplies, allowing staff to focus on providing the instruction.

Michelle Ramsey, executive foundation director of the Community Counseling Center Foundation, said community donations and corporate partnerships have helped expand access to the training.

“Their investment is a direct investment in the safety of our communities,” Ramsey said. “Because of their support, we can provide these high-quality mental health tools to anyone who needs them, regardless of their ability to pay.”

Another large training session is scheduled for March, and officials say the center is on track for a record year of participation.

The Community Counseling Center provides mental health and substance use services across five counties in southeast Missouri and employs more than 470 professional and support staff across 31 locations.