On August 4, 116 staff members from Rossville Consolidated School District came together for a powerful and emotional training session focused on suicide prevention. Led by Stephanie Kozuch, school counselor at Clinton Prairie Elementary School, the session centered around the QPR method, Question, Persuade, Refer, a nationally recognized approach designed to help everyday individuals recognize warning signs of suicide and take action to save lives.
QPR is often described as the mental health equivalent of CPR. It equips individuals with the tools needed to respond in a crisis, not as therapists, but as caring adults who can ask the right questions and connect with someone in distress with the support they need. Staff members learned to recognize verbal and behavioral warning signs, how to ask difficult but necessary questions, and how to guide a student to help safely.
The need for this type of training is urgent and deeply personal.
Nationally, suicide claims a life every 11 minutes. In 2023, nearly 49,000 people died by suicide in the United States. In Indiana, one person dies by suicide every eight hours. It remains the second leading cause of death for Hoosiers ages 15 to 34. According to the 2020–2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, more than a quarter of Indiana high school students reported seriously considering suicide, and nearly 12 percent said they had attempted it.
These are not just numbers; they represent real students in real classrooms, including those in Rossville. Based on national averages, a classroom of 25 students could include six struggling with anxiety or depression, five who have considered suicide, four who have made a plan, and two who have attempted.
Stephanie Kozuch shared personal stories of students she’s supported over the years, poignant reminders that suicide touches every community, and early action can save lives. Research shows that for every one person who dies by suicide, 135 others are directly affected, 11 of whom experience lasting, devastating impacts. In close-knit communities like Rossville, the ripple effect is even greater.
One of the most important takeaways from the training is that suicide is preventable. You don’t have to be a counselor to help. Teachers, office staff, coaches, and bus drivers can learn the signs, start a conversation, and offer hope. Just asking someone if they’re okay can open the door to life-saving help.
At Rossville, this training reinforces the district’s deep commitment to student well-being. Staff were also introduced to vital resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and mental health support apps, including MY3, Calm Harm, and Virtual Hope Box—tools they can share with students and families in moments of crisis.
“By training our staff in QPR, we’re building a network of trusted adults who are prepared to step in when it matters most,” said Superintendent Dr. Jim Hanna. “We’re not just learning how to respond; we’re learning how to recognize the signs early and be that person who says, ‘I see you, I care about you, and I want you to be safe.’”
This is just one of many proactive steps Rossville Schools is taking to foster a culture of compassion, connection, and early intervention. When students feel supported and staff feel prepared, the entire school community grows stronger and safer.
If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. Help is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988.
For more information, contact Rossville Schools at 765-379-2990.