Marathon County Launches Nation’s First Hmong QPR Suicide Prevention Training

A first-of-its-kind mental health initiative is creating new opportunities for suicide prevention education in Hmong-speaking communities. Thanks to a collaborative effort in central Wisconsin, official QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training materials are now available in the Hmong language and certified for use by trainers across the country.

 

This effort aims to reduce language and cultural barriers that often prevent people from getting help. The Hmong American Center, Marathon County Health Department, Aspirus Health, New Beginnings for Refugees, and the QPR Institute contributed to the project, which blends professional translation with deep community input.

 

“Language matters in mental health conversations,” said Hannah Schommer, Public Health Educator with the Marathon County Health Department. “These materials reflect how our community is working together to make prevention training more accessible, more respectful, and more effective for everyone.”

 

The translated materials use the White Hmong dialect, which is widely understood within Hmong communities in Wisconsin and throughout the U.S. Local leaders reviewed every element of the content to ensure clarity, relevance, and cultural sensitivity. The National QPR Institute provided oversight to ensure the materials meet the standards of the national program.

 

“We don’t talk about suicide the same way across all cultures,” said Bee Lor, Program Manager at the Hmong American Center. “Directness can sometimes shut people down. These resources were adapted with that in mind, so families can have safer, more supportive conversations.”

 

Each organization brought key strengths to the table. Funding, national connections, and cultural insight helped ensure the materials meet QPR standards while reflecting the lived experiences of the Hmong community. The result is a resource now available to trainers nationwide.

 

“Making health care more inclusive begins with listening,” said Tara Draeger, System Director for Community Health and Health Equity at Aspirus. “By working with partners who understand community needs firsthand, we’re helping close gaps in care and communication.”

 

Now that the Hmong-language materials are available, trainers across the Aspirus service area and beyond can begin incorporating them into local education and outreach efforts. Community organizations, health care providers, and school systems now have access to tools that reflect the lived experience of Hmong families and open the door to life-saving conversations.

 

The materials are already in use locally and can now be accessed by QPR-certified trainers throughout the United States. Community members who wish to receive training in Hmong or another language can search for instructors by ZIP code at qprinstitute.com.

 

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