LOSSteam Postvention Training -- LOSS Team of Arizona: Program Information/Data for 2015

LOSS Team of Arizona: Program Information/Data for 2015

EMPACT-Suicide Prevention Center (SPC) initiated their LOSS Team program in 2012, as part of our larger Survivors of Suicide program for the Phoenix metropolitan area. EMPACT-SPC’s LOSS Team program consists of a licensed clinician and 17 trained survivor volunteers.

For the past 3-4 years, we have developed numerous community partnerships with local police and fire departments/first responders as well as funeral homes in order to help distribute our LOSS resource packets to bereaved family and friends after a suicide occurs in the community. Also, we have trained first responders to utilize the LOSS Team to meet with the family to provide immediate support, either on scene or within 24/48 hours after the suicide. Approximately 400 packets are distributed annually to newly bereaved Survivors of Suicide.

During Program Year 2015, data was tracked for our Survivors of Suicide Support Group Program:

343 new participants attended one of our 6 valley-wide support groups; 18% were referred to the group because of the LOSS program (i.e. LOSS Team visit; LOSS resource packet).
For those individuals who were referred by LOSS, the average length of time between the date of their loss and the date they first attended group was 53 days.
For non-LOSS referrals, the average length of time between the date of their loss and the date they first attended group was 1 year, 5 months.

We are pleased that our LOSS Team is making a difference in our community, giving us the opportunity to reach Survivors of Suicide early-on in their healing journey.

We look forward to hosting the National LOSS Conference in Arizona in 2017!

Sandra McNally

Please note: the LOSSTeam website is not intended to provide help in a crisis. If you are feeling suicidal or need help for yourself or someone you know, please consult IASP's Suicide Prevention Resources to find a crisis center anywhere in the world. In the US, call toll-free 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for a free suicide prevention service or visit SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.