Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors program begins, volunteers neededA new program, Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors (LOSS), is taking shape to help survivors of suicide in LaGrange County.LOSS aims to aid people who have lost a loved one to suicide by connecting them with a comforting presence, a listening ear and resources to enable them to cope with this traumatic, life-changing event. “The stigma surrounding suicide can make people feel ashamed or reluctant to seek help,” said Tracy Harker, LaGrange County Sheriff's Office. “A LOSS Team (support team) helps break down this stigma, encouraging open discussion and normalizing the grieving process. This team of supporters can offer practical guidance, whether it's about navigating grief, seeking professional help, or coping with specific challenges that arise after a loss. Together, the group fosters strength and resilience, encouraging individuals to carry on, honor their loved ones and find hope in the future.” When a death by suicide occurs in LaGrange County, a member of the LOSS team will either visit the scene along with the coroner and/or law enforcement or follow up with the family members soon after the death has occurred. LOSS Team members are professionals working in healthcare, emergency response, public safety, ministry and other areas that give them knowledge related to the emotional and other impacts of suicide on individuals and families. These local authorities can provide coping strategies; connection to grief support groups, counseling and funeral homes; and referrals for other practical services. “In the wake of suicide, many survivors are overwhelmed,” said Jeff Helmuth, EMS supervisor, Parkview LaGrange Hospital, and LaGrange County deputy coroner. “They have to come to terms with the sudden loss of the person as well as the manner in which the person passed away. They're faced with having to make final arrangements in a short period of time, and then not only moving through the emotions associated with the loss, but also taking care of the tasks involved in addressing the end of a life. It's a lot to deal with all at once, and our LOSS Team is here to give survivors needed support right away so they can get their bearings and not get lost in grief and shock.” Recognizing the need LaGrange County has experienced a rise in suicides in recent years, including among teens. Already working to create programs helping area residents who are struggling with mental health, the member organizations of the LaGrange County Mental Health/Substance Use Collaborative saw the need to help suicide survivors, too, and they sought grant funding for that purpose. A $10,000 Garret Lee Smith Grant from the Division of Mental Health and Addictions is providing seed funding for the LOSS program. Mental Health America of Indiana and the Indiana Suicide Prevention Network notified the collaborative members about winning the grant, which will be administered by Parkview Health. Participating in the LOSS Team project are Parkview LaGrange Hospital, the LaGrange County Health Department, Bowen Center, Northeastern Center, LaGrange County Coroner's Office, LaGrange County Sheriff's Department, LaGrange Parks Department, Crossroads United Way, the LaGrange County Chamber, and concerned citizens. Volunteers are needed The LOSS Team is currently recruiting volunteers age 18 or older who have a passion for serving people impacted by suicide. Volunteers are asked to serve in one of several capacities depending on their comfort level and area of interest. Roles could include responding to crime or death scenes, coordinating volunteers, coordinating scheduling of on-call team members, or handling tasks such as packing care kits for survivors, sending cards to survivors, and more. For those who have experienced a suicide loss in their own lives and want to volunteer, certain roles – such as crime scene responder or survivor follow-up volunteer – are not recommended until at least one and a half to two years have elapsed since the loss. Volunteers accepted into the program will receive training to learn about the work of LOSS teams, the specifics of the LaGrange County program, and the volunteer roles available. This training will cover expectations for the conduct and responsibilities of LOSS team representatives. For information on applying to be part of the LaGrange County LOSS Team, call 260-336-3208. Submitted: 03/05/25 Article By: Parkview LaGrange Hospital |