The mission of a Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors (LOSS) Team is to reduce suicide bereavement distress of those immediately impacted by providing compassion, support, and providing information about available resources. This allows for the promotion of hope for the newly bereaved, as they begin the journey of healing. Outcomes include the suicide survivor accessing resources and/or seeking support within months rather than years after the death occurs.

PROCESS

The LOSS Team is to respond to the scene of a suicide immediately after legal authorities have determined the cause of death is due to suicide.

The typical LOSS Team will respond to the scene within a matter of hours (2 to 48 hours after notification). The LOSS Team is generally on the scene for about one hour, and then provides follow up support as requested to those bereaved.

However, a delayed response to those at a scene can also be provided, in respect of the wishes of those bereaved by suicide.

The LOSS Team is able provide follow-up support to those bereaved by suicide over a period upon request.

The LOSS Team can make advocacy visits to individuals and groups who have lost a loved one, friend, peer, or colleague to suicide upon request, and, with the approval of the LOSS Team Clinical Director. If an individual(s) views an individual or family as possibly benefiting from a LOSS Team visit, he or she is encouraged to suggest this service to the bereaved individuals directly, and provide them information as to how to contact the local LOSS Team coordinator.

STRUCTURE

The LOSS Team is composed of at least one suicide survivor, and a LOSS Team trained mental health clinician, all of whom are volunteers, who are available 24 hours a day. All team members are carefully screened and receive ongoing training.

The Nebraska State Suicide Prevention Coalition is dedicated to the development of LOSS Teams across the state, and is collaborating with community coalitions, local Behavioral Health Region offices, along with the utilization of funding from sources such as the Garrett Lee Smith grant, Kim Foundation, e.g. to promote LOSS Teams.

LOSS Team Resource Contact Information

Helpful websites:  http://nelossteam.nebraska.edu   http://www.lossteam.com/

To Contact the LOSS Team to schedule a visit, please call: 308-221-0143

LOSS Team Coordinator- Jennifer Krajewski 308-660-2292
swnelossteam@gmail.com