Panel Discussion 2013 National LOSS Conference Columbus, Ohio September 10, 11, 2013 Donald Belau, PhD, David Miers, PhD, Brittany Buquoi, PhD, Molly Smith, PCC-S, Stephanie Schweitzer Dixon, BS, Lezlie Culver, BA

Introduction to LOSS History of LOSS Video Clip Panel Questions Questions for Panel Members

LOSS TEAM In 1997, a group in Baton Rouge, Louisiana was formed to help survivors of suicide find the resources they need. The group was named the LOSS (Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors) Team. The team is made up of trained suicide survivors and Baton Rouge Crisis Intervention Center (BRCIC) staff.

LOSS TEAM They go to the scenes of suicide to spread information about resources and to be the breath of hope for the grieving survivors. The goal of the LOSS Team is to let suicide survivors know that resources exist as soon as possible following the death.

Video 5

Questions for LOSS Teams Name of LOSS team-Community and State – Area team covers Population/ area team covers When did team start Average number of calls Team make-up and how activated Biggest barrier How do you get survivors and clinicians to get involved in the team

East Baton Rouge Parish Louisiana- Brittany Buquoi, PhD Population 440,00 Cover 455 square miles A team of 12 members were recruited in 11/1997 and a year later, the team took calls 30 calls per calendar year

East Baton Rouge Parish Louisiana Team made up of survivors of suicide Team in partnership with coroners office. If death ruled as suicide, the investigator calls a 24 hour crisis line which contacts team member on call Largest barrier is recruiting new members Have a clinician who is the Clinical Coordinator. Team members come from clinician referrals of those who facilitate the Survivors of Suicide support group

Tarrant County, Texas-Lezlie Culver, BA Population 1,800,000 Fort Worth, Arlington and surrounding areas. Timeline: Proposed in July trained January Another 60 trained November of members on team14 survivors, others MH. Approximately 211 on-scene and delayed calls since April 2011.

Tarrant County, Texas Fort Worth Police Department calls LOSS Team for on scene and delayed. Arlington Police Department calls for delayed. Do not always get calls after a suicide. Program offers free training and CEUs. Contact made within the community include hospitals, schools, survivor support groups, agencies etc. Main funding from 5K run.

Front Porch Coalition Western South Dakota- Stephanie Schweitzer Dixon, BS Pennington and Meade counties Total population approximately 127,000 August average each year Survivors, some who have had a LOSS call. Activated by the police department, coroner, and sheriff office who use dispatch and teams 24/7 answering service when death determined a suicide.

Front Porch Coalition Western South Dakota Having enough volunteers available for a 24/7 year round operation is a challenge. Done a lot of promotion and awareness, highlighted in United Way Day of Caring and Campaign video. Recruit from those who attend support group, and who have learned from community trainings. Primarily recruit those who have had a loss to suicide.

Logan/Champaign Counties Ohio- Molly Smith, PCC-S Approximately 85,000 combined for 2 Counties July 2008 Logan county: 8 (2012) Champaign county: 8 (2012) Mental health professionals, clergy, suicide prevention coalition members, survivors (those who received response now serving on team) Team Coordinator receives call thru local crisis hot-line, activated by Coroner or Law Enforcement and assembles team

Logan/Champaign Counties Ohio In Champaign county, getting stakeholders on board with concept. No barriers in Logan county. Clinician interest generated by training opportunity. Initially hard to identify survivors, but those responded to are now expressing interest in being a responder and several have joined the team. We try to connect with families even if a face to face is not done initially thru phone calls and visits day or two later.

Lincoln/Lancaster Nebraska- Donald Belau, PhD, David Miers, PhD Lincoln/Lancaster Nebraska- Donald Belau, PhD, David Miers, PhD Population Covered: Lancaster--300,000, Seward17,000, Saline 14,000 July 2009 went active Team is in partnership with the Lincoln Police Department, Chaplaincy Corps, Lancaster County Sheriffs office, Seward & Saline county law enforcement State wide by request call year plus Empathy calls/follow up year

Lincoln/Lancaster Nebraska Team made up of survivors (those bereaved by suicide) & Clinicians who may be LMHPs, Nurses, or others with clinical background who participate in regular training Chaplain and/or law enforcement contacts team coordinator on call who then activates the Team Largest barrier is recruiting and promoting continuing awareness of the LOSS team to facilitate referrals in view of a changing community Have a clinician who is the Clinical Director. Team members come from referrals of Team Members and other sources who are screened and trained prior to participating in call outs. Empathy calls are a major outreach of the LOSS team.

LOSS Teams - Postvention Postvention---Prevention---Intervention Postvention is Prevention

Resources Each team brought sample resource packet for you to examine at todays presentation.