"Ask A Question, Save A Life"

Half of the North Florida Health Corps dedicated Wednesday evening to learning a potentially life-saving skill when it comes to suicide prevention.

The Daniel Foundation hosted a "Question, Persuade, Refer" training in which Corps members learned to spot warning signs, utilize simple techniques for talking about suicide and referring those in need to help. The training also included many resources in the local area. We know this skill will help us throughout our service when dealing with clients in tough, emotional situations.

Here is what members had to say about being trained in QPR:

"The QPR training would be definitely helpful at my host site since many clients I see are in tight financial situations or feeling at their low-point, which some will talk negatively about their life. After receiving the training, I can better guide the conversation into a positive outlook and help them seek help when a need is expressed." -- Mandy Chan


"The tools provided through the training have made me feel more prepared to deal with such situations.  In addition, the training really just opened my eyes to the entire prevention approach in general; I would not have been able to tell you even one step to assisting a person through this type of life struggle.  The sheer number of suicides attempted and accomplished in the country, in Florida, and in Duval County is astounding!  And to know that others can positively influence this number through awareness, information, and care is remarkable.  I believe that this is a valuable training for not only members of medicine and public health, education, and other similar occupations and industries, but valuable to all people of our community so that we can all stand to prevent suicide." -- Alicia Seggelink

Running before we could walk

Our service term has started and we’re in full swing! While we settle into our host sites and get to know our mentors, we’re also learning a great deal about Jacksonville and the needs and interests of the community.

Members Krystal Kelly, Sheila Rahimpour, and Lauren Hudak
work on the siding of Habitat for Humanity home.
Photo by Tatiana Giustizia

The North Florida Health Corps has already begun making a difference in Jax with not one, but two Saturdays at Beaches Habitat for Humanity. Our members sported hard hats and got their hands dirty in order to provide affordable housing for low-income families.

"My favorite part was helping to build a house. I did not think I could do that type of work, but I was able to contribute to the project, which was a good feeling. It was a fun and positive experience."
-Sheila Rahimpour

Our outside service impact doesn’t stop there. NFHC members have found a variety of ways to serve the community with events like the Girls Gone Green “VegFest” and training in Question, Persuade, and Refer suicide prevention with Florida Youth Suicide Prevention. Look for posts about these soon!

We’re looking forward to a fun, service-filled term with plenty of news to keep our reader’s updated!

If you are in the Jacksonville, FL area and your organization would like to partner on a health-related service project, please contact us.

- Abby Bradford

What is the North Florida Health Corps?

The North Florida Health Corps is a program of the National Health Corps AmeriCorps program. The program began in Jacksonville in 2004 with the mission of helping to fulfill unmet healthcare needs and to decrease disparities in the local healthcare system. The North Florida Health Corps is administered by the Duval County Health Department's Maternal and Child Health Division in partnership with local community agencies. NFHC members serve in health care and public health settings and provide a variety of health-related services. Whether serving the homeless population, HIV/AIDS patients, children, the uninsured, or other underserved individuals, Jacksonville is full of opportunities for Corps members.

NFHC members live and serve primarily in Jacksonville, Florida. Host sites and services are located in Jacksonville and adjacent counties (Duval, Baker, Clay, Nassau, and St. Johns).