Have you lost a loved one to suicide? You are not alone. For every suicide death there are dozens of survivors left to make sense of it. The LOSS Team of Allen, Auglaize, and Hardin Counties can help.
The LOSS Team of Allen, Auglaize, and Hardin Counties consists of 2-3 experienced people who go to the scene of the suicide to provide resources, support, and hope. The team is comprised of trained survivors (family or friends who have lost someone to suicide) and mental health professionals volunteering their time.
The volunteers provide immediate assistance to survivors to help them cope with their loss. They provide free suicide grief resources and can coordinate the utilization of services and support groups within the community. Many survivors have found connecting with someone with a similar lived experience OFFERS THEM HOPE AND ENCOURAGEMENT.
Having immediate access to helpful and experienced resources can prevent unhealthy coping mechanisms from developing and can offer much needed understanding and support.
The LOSS Team is coordinated by Prevention Awareness Support Services and funded by the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Allen, Auglaize, and Hardin Counties. For survivors looking for support, Prevention Awareness Support Services offers a LOSS Support Group led by trained facilitators with similar experiences - they know what you are going through. The group meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 6:30pm - 7:30pm at the PASS Offices at 309 W. High Street in Lima. The group is FREE and no registration is required.
If you have questions about the group or would like to contact a LOSS Team member, you may email Diane at dtegenkamp@passaah.org or Donna at ddickman@passaah.org. You may reach them by phone at 419-549-8530.