MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — Milwaukee city leaders and community members took part in suicide prevention training Friday at City Hall in memory of late Ald. Jonathan Brostoff during National Suicide Prevention Month.

The free QPR Gatekeeper Training was organized by Alderwoman Sharlen Moore in collaboration with the Friendship Circle and focused on giving participants practical tools to recognize and respond when someone may be considering suicide.

Brostoff, who represented Milwaukee's 3rd Aldermanic District, died by suicide in November 2024. Since his death, the Friendship Circle has helped organize a series of suicide prevention trainings in his honor.

Moore, who served alongside Brostoff on the Milwaukee Common Council, participated in Friday's training.

She said one of the lessons she took away from the session was that people do not need to be mental health experts to make a difference. Instead, knowing how to listen, recognize warning signs and ask the right questions can help someone who may be struggling.

The training also emphasized practical steps people can take to connect someone experiencing a crisis with additional support.

Organizers hope the training helps more people feel comfortable starting difficult conversations about suicide and mental health rather than avoiding them.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or considering suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support 24 hours a day.