Lorain County Sheriffs Working With Suicide Trauma Group

ELYRIA, OH — The Lorain County Sheriffs are now working with a suicide trauma outreach group.

The sheriffs announced their partnership with Local Outreach for Suicide Survivors (LOSS) on Thursday. Members of the LOSS team will reach out to residents impacted by a suicide. They will be responsible for immediate response to those loved ones, the sheriffs said.

"The LOSS team will provide immediate assistance, support and guidance to family and friends at the time of a suicide," the Lorain County Sheriffs department said in a statement.

Here's how the program will work: After a person's death is ruled a suicide, and no further investigation is occurring, a sheriff's deputy will contact the LOSS team. Two LOSS members will be sent to the scene within 45 minutes of the call.

The LOSS team will meet with law enforcement and will then be introduced to family and loved ones of the deceased. The team will provide emotional support, follow-up information and referrals as needed. Members of LOSS will only provide aid if the family is comfortable receiving help.

The LOSS team is trained in responding to trauma, working with law enforcement, grappling with grief, confidentiality and other topics.