In a move that aims directly to support those grappling with the immediate aftermath of suicide, Bloomington Police Department is teaming up with Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE) to launch the LOSS Team—Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors. This initiative is a fresh stride toward providing hands-on assistance for families during times of unthinkable sorrow.
The LOSS Team, distinguishable as the first initiative of its kind in Minnesota, is poised to quickly offer in-person support whenever summoned by the Bloomington Police Dispatch. According to a statement from the Bloomington Police Department, trained volunteers, some of whom have themselves endured the grief of losing someone to suicide, will be on the ground to help connect survivors with crucial services—ranging from mental health counseling to grief support.
This innovative program is slated to begin operation this summer. Advocates for mental health and suicide prevention see this as a significant step in providing necessary resources and a compassionate presence during moments of crisis. The personalized touch extends beyond the sterile confines of institutional support, recognizing the complex layers of human despair and the desperate need for understanding and healing in those first traumatic hours and days.
"This program allows us to provide support and service to our community as survivors navigate traumatic situations they are likely not prepared for. We want our community to know we are here to walk alongside them," Katie Zerull, BPD Outreach and Engagement, said in a press release. The essence of the LOSS program is not just to swiftly respond to calls for aid, but to truly accompany individuals through the labyrinth of their grief, offering a steadying hand in times where directions seem to fade into the darkness of loss.
