By: Jeff Devine, Dale County Chronicle
OZARK — Mission: Worthy is offering area residents two opportunities to learn life-saving skills through upcoming free community training events at the Ozark Civic Center.
The organization will host a Narcan Training session on June 20 at 10 a.m., with instruction provided by the ACOM Narcan Coalition. The event is being offered as a free community training designed to educate participants on overdose response and intervention.
According to organizers, the session requires “no medical background—just a willingness to protect your neighbors, friends, and family.”
Participants will learn how to recognize overdose signs, administer Narcan nasal spray, and understand what to do while waiting for emergency responders.
The flyer promoting the event encourages community involvement with the message: “Save a life. Learn Narcan.”
Mission: Worthy will also partner with The Uncarried to host a QPR Suicide Prevention Training on July 21 from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Ozark Civic Center. The free training will be taught by certified ASPARC instructors.
ASPARC instructors are certified trainers with the Alabama Suicide Prevention and Resources Coalition and specialize in delivering suicide prevention education and intervention programs. During the event, they will teach QPR — Question, Persuade, Refer — a public health-based suicide prevention curriculum designed to equip community members with tools to recognize warning signs and intervene when someone may be experiencing a crisis.
The training teaches participants the three QPR steps:
- Question: Ask to show you care.
- Persuade: Listen and encourage them to talk.
- Refer: Help connect them with support.
According to event information, the free training teaches participants how to recognize warning signs, offer support, and connect someone with help “when they need it most.”
The flyer adds: “Together, we are equipping our community with life-saving skills because support can change the outcome for someone who needs support.”
Those interested in attending either event may register by emailing [email protected].
Organizers hope the programs will equip community members with practical skills that can strengthen local support systems and provide individuals with the knowledge needed to respond during moments of crisis.
