Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors (LOSS) offers hope and comfort to newly grieving individuals who have lost a loved one to suicide.
The Denton County LOSS Team was established in October 2015 and is made up of one full-time Coordinator, one part-time PRN and volunteers who have experienced the loss of a loved one by suicide. The personal understanding and empathy that the LOSS Team offers to survivors is crucial and deeply meaningful. This team works 24/7 to respond to 100% of reported suicides in Denton County, to guide newly bereaved suicide survivors to counseling, support groups, and to instill hope. LOSS aims to destigmatize suicide by sharing stories of hope, participating in community outreach, collaborating with police officers, hospitals and other local providers, and suicide prevention coalitions. The mission of the LOSS Team is to be an instillation of hope to those bereaved by suicide, empowering survivors so they can thrive. The LOSS Team’s purpose is to provide hope and help to those who have lost a loved one to suicide.
Since the LOSS Team’s inception in 2015, the program has been strictly grant-funded. The LOSS Team does not receive any state or federal funding. The LOSS Team Coordinator’s position is essential for coordination with Medical Examiners, LOSS volunteers, and education outreach for suicide prevention.
As part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Denton County continues to experience staggering population growth, recently reaching an estimated population of 1,045,120 in 2024. Suicide does not discriminate by race, gender, or socioeconomic status. LOSS offers services and support to every individual touched by suicide in Denton County.
In Denton County, the number of suicides is startling. Based on data from the Medical Examiner, in 2020, there were 87 reported suicides, 2021 recorded 102 suicides; 2022 recorded 118 suicides; 2023 recorded 113 suicides; and 2024 recorded 109 suicide deaths, for a total of 529 suicide deaths since 2020. In Julie Cerel’s research at the University of Kentucky, it was determined that approximately 135 individuals are affected by the suicide death of a loved one. This is significant because those impacted by suicide are exponentially (2-10 times) more likely to die by suicide. The comfort and hope that the LOSS Team offers to newly grieving individuals can be the difference between life and death.
The Denton County LOSS Team serves 100% of suicide survivors interested in LOSS services or outside referrals. This goes for each case that is provided by the Medical Examiners and the community. Survivors will receive on-scene assistance, and/or delayed visits (as requested), assistance for bio-hazard clean-up, books at no charge related to grief, resources, connections to counseling, support groups in their area, and follow-up calls for 2 years (longer if requested).
