The city of Bloomington, Minnesota, has seen a unique collaboration between its Police Department and Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE), establishing the first Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors (LOSS) team in the state. In an effort to deliver immediate and thoughtful support to individuals and families grappling with the tragic aftermath of a loved one's suicide, this initiative brings together trained volunteers—many of whom have walked through the fire of loss themselves—to offer solace and a guiding hand towards mental health and grief resources.
Speaking on the importance of the LOSS team, Outreach and Engagement Coordinator for the Bloomington Police Department, Katie Zerull, articulated a heartfelt commitment. "The Bloomington Police Department wants to ensure those who need help receive it quickly and with care," Zerull said in a statement released by the official Bloomington Police Department briefing. The program, which launched last fall, is predicated on the principle of walking alongside survivors as they confront the complex journey of mourning.
The formation of the LOSS team is indicative of a broader push to address mental health crises and their ripple effects with compassionate community responses. When a suicide occurs, trained members of the LOSS team will attend to the scene at the request of the Bloomington Police, providing a crucial human connection in a moment often mired in isolation and despair. Although the team is relatively new, the importance of their service is already being felt within the community.
Both BPD’s LOSS team and SAVE are actively seeking volunteers to grow this pivotal service. For those interested in offering their time and empathy to support others during harrowing times, potential volunteers are encouraged to reach out via email to [email protected]. By doing so, individuals can become part of an expanding network dedicated to healing and the understanding that no one should have to navigate the dark waters of suicide loss alone.
