DAYTON, Ohio (WKEF)– Families who have lost a loved one to suicide now have a chance to regain hope thanks to a new initiative in Montgomery County called Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors, also known as LOSS.

LOSS is a statewide initiative, and with the number of suicide deaths on the rise in Montgomery County, the Montgomery County Prevention Coalition felt this was a great way to help the victims of this tragedy.

“Last year was our record year for suicide deaths in the county. We had 101 deaths,” said Colleen Oakes, manager of the Montgomery County Prevention Coalition.

Oakes said achieving that record last year prompted the team to bring LOSS to Montgomery County. The local teams, who are usually the first to arrive on the scene of a suicide, also helped make it possible.

“We’ve heard from our first responders that there’s really a need for this follow-up of suicide deaths, so we have our great law enforcement and our coroner’s office on site to respond to these deaths,” Oakes said.

Beginning in January 2025, the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office will notify LOSS when a suicide occurs in Montgomery County, and two volunteers will be dispatched to the scene of the suicide to provide support to the family affected by the tragedy.

“The strong emotions, the sadness, the grief … but we can also provide people who understand what the grieving families are going through,” said Tina Rezash-Rogal of the Montgomery County ADAMAHS board.

Rezash-Rogal said at least one of the volunteers sent to the families had committed suicide during his life.

“We ensure they have access to support groups and local mental health services, and then support families on anniversaries, birthdays and important days that may be particularly hard on those affected,” Oakes said.

The volunteers will also assist the family with funeral expenses. The ADAMHS board said it is pleased to partner with several other organizations to bring this program to Montgomery County and help families in need.

“It is an honor to serve the residents of our community and it is certainly an honor for the LOSS team,” said Rezash-Rogal.

A stakeholder meeting is scheduled for Sept. 12. Oakes said they are always looking for volunteers. If you are interested in getting involved with LOSS, you can visit their website here.