CPD partners with Samaritans to establish LOSS team

Volunteers needed for Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors

In a pioneering effort to address the profound impact of suicide on local families, the Canton Police Department is teaming up with Samaritans, Inc. — a Massachusetts-based suicide prevention organization — to launch a Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors (LOSS) team. This innovative collaboration aims to provide vital support and resources to individuals and families grieving a suicide loss.

The LOSS Team model, developed by Dr. Frank Campbell in 1997, has been instrumental in eliminating barriers faced by individuals seeking support after a suicide. Dr. Campbell’s research highlighted that immediate intervention significantly reduces the time taken by survivors to seek help — from about 4.5 years to just six weeks.

“We’re thrilled to embark on this meaningful journey with the Canton Police Department and other Norfolk Country towns to establish a local LOSS Team,” said Kathleen Marchi, CEO and president of Samaritans. “This collaboration embodies our shared commitment to providing immediate support and compassion to those impacted by suicide loss. Together, we’re poised to make a profound difference in our community, offering hope and healing where it’s needed most.”

The Samaritans’ LOSS team is currently seeking dedicated volunteers living in or near Canton, Sharon, Norwood, Westwood, and Walpole to join their ranks. Loss survivor volunteers, who have experienced the devastating loss of a loved one to suicide, are encouraged to apply. By sharing their own journey of grief, these volunteers can provide invaluable support and empathy to families navigating similar experiences.

The team is also looking for community volunteers with expertise in crisis services, including first responders, nurses, EMTs, therapists, and social workers. These individuals will play a crucial role in providing immediate assistance and guidance to those affected by suicide loss.

“This partnership reflects our unwavering dedication to supporting our community during times of profound need,” said Canton Police Chief Helena Rafferty. “Together with Samaritans, we’re empowering local volunteers to provide crucial assistance and compassion to those affected by suicide loss.”

Samaritans, a trusted organization dedicated to suicide prevention and support, is launching this new service in the Canton community as part of its commitment to suicide grief support. Together with the Sharon Police Department, Samaritans is launching the LOSS team to ensure that families receive the support they need.

Volunteers for the Samaritans’ LOSS team will undergo training to equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to provide compassionate support to suicide loss survivors. Training sessions are scheduled to commence this summer, ensuring that volunteers are well-prepared to fulfill their roles effectively.

After completion of training, loss survivors and community volunteers will begin providing support following suicides in Canton and neighboring communities, including Walpole, Norwood, Westwood, and Sharon. Working in collaboration, trained suicide loss survivors and clinicians will be on-call and available to respond to suicide losses as needed. Their mission is to offer immediate assistance, whether at the scene or through subsequent meetings with families, providing resources and referrals with the utmost care and empathy.

For those interested in volunteering, please contact Samaritans at www.samaritanshope.org/loss.

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