Samaritans partners with police departments in Canton, Walpole, Norwood, Westwood, and Sharon
Losing a loved one to suicide is a deeply devastating experience, often leaving families feeling isolated and overwhelmed. Recognizing the urgent need for compassionate support following a suicide loss, Samaritans, Inc. has partnered with local police departments in Canton, Walpole, Norwood, Westwood, and Sharon, to establish a Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors (LOSS) Team.
The Samaritans LOSS Teams, comprised of dedicated volunteers and trained clinicians, aims to bridge the gap between the days following a suicide loss and accessing vital resources. Developed by Dr. Frank Campbell in 1997, the LOSS Team model has been proven to significantly reduce the time taken for survivors of suicide loss to seek help, from about 4.5 years to just 6 weeks.
“We believe in the transformative power of community support,” said Kathleen Marchi, CEO and President of Samaritans. “The establishment of the Samaritans LOSS Team across Canton, Walpole, Norwood, and Sharon reflects our unwavering commitment to providing solace and healing to those affected by suicide loss. Together, we can offer hope and healing to individuals and families during their darkest moments.”
Loss survivor volunteers, who have personally experienced the profound impact of suicide loss, offer invaluable support and understanding to families navigating similar experiences. Additionally, community volunteers with expertise in crisis services, including first responders, nurses, EMTs, therapists, and social workers, play a pivotal role in providing immediate assistance and guidance to those affected by suicide loss. Volunteers should live in or near Canton, Norwood, Sharon, Westwood, or Walpole.
Together, we can offer hope and healing to individuals and families during their darkest moments.
Through collaborative efforts, the partnering police departments are empowering local volunteers to provide crucial assistance and compassion to those impacted by suicide loss.
“The partnership with Samaritans underscores our dedication to serving our community with compassion and empathy,” said Steve Coffey, Chief of Sharon Police Department. “Together, we are building a community of support and healing, ensuring that those affected by suicide loss receive the care and assistance they deserve.”
After completion of training, LOSS Team volunteers will begin providing support following suicides in the region. At all hours, a trained suicide loss survivor and clinician will be on-call and available to respond to suicide losses as needed. The Samaritans LOSS Team will offer immediate assistance, whether at the scene or through subsequent meetings with families, providing resources and referrals with the utmost care and empathy.
We are currently seeking loss survivors and community volunteers to join our LOSS Team.
