Introducing CT Anchor: Changing Tides’ New Suicide Prevention Initiative

Do you know how to recognize the warning signs of someone experiencing suicidal thoughts? Would you know the best way to support them, or what resources to direct them to? 

Changing Tides’ (CT), a program of Little Tokyo Service Center (LTSC), new CT Anchor initiative aims to address these concerns by providing free suicide prevention training initiative in collaboration with the Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Institute. CT Anchor provides comprehensive and accessible suicide prevention training with certified trainers from QPR through nationwide virtual workshops and in-person training in Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

The nationally-recognized QPR certification training equips those without professional mental health backgrounds to recognize signs that someone may be considering suicide, establish a supportive dialogue, and guide the person to seek professional help. QPR teaches three simple steps that anyone can use to help save a life, making it ideal for everyone in the community (e.g., parents, friends, neighbors, students, teachers, coaches, etc.). 

“During QPR training sessions we ask, ‘how many of you know someone who attempted or died by suicide?’ Nearly everyone raises their hand, giving us a powerful reminder that we are not alone. Many of us have been personally impacted by suicide in some way. That’s why it’s important that we continue to work towards breaking the silence and dissolving the stigma associated with suicide and mental illness. QPR teaches people basic skills to help them feel more comfortable and confident when listening to and supporting someone in distress,” said Alex Pan, Certified QPR Trainer. 

With suicide now the leading cause of death among AANHPI (Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander) young people[1] (and the fourth-leading cause of death overall among young people aged 15-29[2]), CT Anchor is a response to the urgent need for accessible, inclusive and comprehensive suicide prevention education. AANHPI individuals tend to face lofty barriers when seeking mental health support due to cultural values and stigma along with logistical considerations like finances and language barriers. By making resources like suicide prevention training more accessible and approachable, Changing Tides hopes CT Anchor will help save lives. 

“A couple years ago, I experienced the death of a very close friend, Nick Song, by suicide. He was a rising college freshman with big dreams and an empathetic heart, and struggled with depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. His death led me to question any signs of suicidality he might have displayed and how I could have supported him during that time–which are questions that QPR addresses. CT Anchor is a great step towards normalizing the discussion around suicidal ideation and equipping our community with basic and practical skills to face this issue head-on,” said Linh Vo, Changing Tides Crew Member.

The CT Anchor initiative adds suicide prevention training to Changing Tides’ programmatic lineup, which includes a therapy stipend initiative (CT Stream), facilitated group mental health discussions (CT Cafe), suicide prevention charity walk (Ripple Effect), mental health conference (Making Waves), and more.  

Visit the Changing Tides website to register for a free QPR suicide prevention training and join the fight to change the tide on mental health in our community.

[1] “Deaths, percent of total deaths, and death rates for the 15 leading causes of death in 5-year age groups, by race and Hispanic origin, and sex: United States, 2017,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2007, p. 165-166. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/dvs/lcwk/lcwk1_hr_2017-a.pdf

[2] “Suicide,” World Health Organization, 2021. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/suicide