WAUSAU, Wis. (WKOW) -- A new mental health initiative is trying to reduce language barriers that could prevent people from seeking help.

A collaborative effort in Marathon County led to the nation's first QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) suicide prevention training materials in the Hmong language. The Hmong American Center, Marathon County Health Department, Aspirus Health, New Beginnings for Refugees, and the QPR Institute were all part of the effort.

"I've seen firsthand the silent struggles that individuals have in the Hmong community," Bee Lor said. Lor is the program manager at the Hmong American Center. Lor said language can be a barrier to accessing mental health services, especially within the older generation and new arrivals to the U.S.

The training materials in Hmong are alrea

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