RESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MAY 19, 2025
CONTACTS:
Erich Mische, emische@save.org,
651-600-1188, Chief Executive Officer, SAVE, Suicide Awareness Voices of Education.
Kimberly Clauson, kclauson@bloomingtonmn.gov,
952-563-8623, Deputy Chief, Public Information Officer, Bloomington PD
Bloomington PD partners with suicide prevention nonprofit SAVE to support families after suicide
LOSS Teams to reduce isolation and ensure immediate access to resources, services
BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — The Bloomington Police Department and SAVE - Suicide Awareness Voices of Education, a national suicide prevention nonprofit based here, are proud to announce the establishment of LOSS Teams in Minnesota. The LOSS (Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors) program will provide immediate, direct support to people and families in Bloomington who have experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide.
SAVE has been working with volunteers and loss survivors to implement the LOSS model in the state at the request of the Minnesota Department of Health. The organization will begin recruiting and training volunteers this month and launch the program in July. The state’s first team comprises Bloomington Police in collaboration with SAVE. The LOSS model, which is active in other states, was created by Dr. Frank Campbell in 1997.
When activated by Bloomington Police Dispatch, trained volunteers will arrive at the scene to support the newly bereaved. The immediate outreach aims to keep people connected with others and provide ongoing mental health, grief, and other support services as needed. In each responding team, at least one volunteer is a suicide survivor themself.
“For people impacted by suicide, witnessing someone who has gone through loss like this, now able to provide support to others, can be a reminder that there is hope,” said Brittani Senser, SAVE Director of Education and Training. “Research has shown that it can take over four years for survivors to reach out for support. This partnership is bridging that gap and linking survivors to critical resources. Compassion and connection are really what’s needed most as people start navigating this trauma and loss.”
“The Bloomington Police Department believes this program will ensure those who need help are being served as soon as possible with compassion and respect,” said Katie Zerull, PD Outreach and Engagement Coordinator. “This program allows us to provide support and service to our community as survivors navigate traumatic situations, they are likely not prepared for. We want our community to know we are here to walk alongside them as they navigate the loss of a loved one to suicide.”
SAVE plans to expand LOSS Teams to more Minnesota cities by working with local communities, organizations, and others to help provide resources and training developed by Dr. Frank Campbell and others. Senser said this outreach is especially helpful in rural communities, as survivors can face challenges like geographic isolation, stigma, and limited mental health resources in accessing suicide loss support.
Email save@save.org if you are interested in volunteering for the LOSS Team or in bringing LOSS to your area.
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With Hope,
Erich Mische| Chief Executive Officer
SAVE - Suicide Awareness Voices of Education
7900 Xerxes Ave. S, Suite 1350, Bloomington MN 55431
E: emische@save.org
P: 651-600-1188
