LOSS Team
The Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors (LOSS) Team model, pioneered by Dr. Frank Campbell in 1997, is a nationally recognized postvention strategy. LOSS Teams offer on-scene, peer-based support to newly bereaved survivors, often within hours of a suicide.
Introduction
LOSS stands for Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors. A LOSS Team is an active model of postvention, in which two or more trained volunteers—often including a survivor of suicide loss—respond to the scene of a suicide to offer immediate, compassionate support to those left behind. Their presence provides survivors with practical assistance, connections to helpful resources, and, most importantly, a sense of hope in the midst of profound grief.
The LOSS Team model is rooted in peer support. Having a volunteer who has personally experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide reach out to a newly bereaved survivor fosters connection and understanding. A simple statement like, “I lost someone to suicide, too,” gives the grieving person permission to speak openly, to say the word suicide, and to know they are not alone. In that moment, the seeds of healing and hope are gently planted.
Benefits of a LOSS Team
LOSS Teams support suicide survivors by providing emotional guidance and resources and reducing isolation. Postvention (support after a suicide) is considered a preventive measure because it helps lower the risk of additional suicides, offering survivors the support they need and preventing further trauma.
Key Features:
- Resource Connection: A LOSS Team provides information on mental health services, counseling, support groups, and other helpful resources.
- Immediate response: A LOSS team collaborates with law enforcement, coroners, and/or first responders for rapid deployment.
- Peer Support: LOSS Team members who have experienced losses offer understanding, reducing isolation for new survivors.
Minnesota’s first LOSS Team
SAVE is currently recruiting volunteers for Minnesota’s first LOSS Team pilot program in partnership with the Bloomington Police Department.
Volunteer Requirements:
- Must be a suicide loss survivor
- At least 2 years post-loss
- Must live within 45 minutes of the Bloomington Metro area
- Comfortable being on-call and responding on-scene following a suicide
If you’re ready to offer hope and healing to others walking a path you’ve walked yourself, we’d love to hear from you. Complete the application to get started.
Connect to SAVE lives
We believe in the power of connection to create positive change. Whether you’re interested in volunteering, donating, or simply learning more about our mission, we invite you to get in touch.