One of the main crisis response offerings of the Baton Rouge Crisis Intervention Center is a unique program for those who have lost a loved one to suicide. The program, called LOSS (Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors), is a pioneering effort to bring immediate support to survivors as close to the time of death as possible. Working with the Coroner's office in East Baton Rouge Parish, LOSS acts as a first response team when a suicide occurs in East Baton Rouge Parish. The team, which consists of survivor volunteers and center staff, meet the coroner and other first response officials (law enforcement, etc.) at the scene of the suicide. LOSS team members are there to offer resources, support, and sources of hope to the newly bereaved.

Please take a moment to read some quotes from the team and from family members who have received LOSS services. If you have any questions, please contact Buddy Knox at (225) 362-6781 or via email.

QUOTES FROM FAMILY MEMBERS WHO RECEIVED A LOSS RESPONSE:

I cannot express how much help the Baton Rouge Crisis Intervention Center and all of the wonderful people there have been since my father's suicide a few weeks ago. They were a wonderful source of support the day of the incident, and were at our house within 15 minutes of the call letting us know that we were not alone and they were there for us, 24-hours a day. We appreciate all they did, and are still doing, and feel truly blessed to have such wonderful support.

-40 year old daughter
who lost her father to suicide in 1999 

This service of the LOSS Team has been the turning point in my ability to cope with this issue. The guidance and understanding I've gained have shown me how to get through these times.

-son-in-law of a 77 year old suicide victim 

By the time I arrived at the scene, there were already two members of the LOSS team there. I don't know what our family would have done without their help. They gave us information about the BRCIC and came to our house later that afternoon. We went to counseling and started attending the support group meetings. There we have learned how to cope with our crisis, and that feelings from a suicide are different from other deaths. I can't even begin to imagine what the state of my mental health would be right now if it were not for the support and education we have received at the BRCIC.

-mother whose son shot himself in 2000

I suppose the real benefit came later, when the shock wore off. Because they were there that morning, I knew what resources were available to help me survive this awful event. These were resources that I would have never known about had they not told me and my family. The reason I felt so comfortable using the resources they offered was because I knew they had all lost someone to suicide. They understood the awful pain and what it is like to go through something so incomprehensible. I couldn't have gone to just anyone. I needed them, and they were there.

-woman lost her fiance' to suicide

FOR IMMEDIATE HELP
call THE PHONE
24 Hour Crisis Line
(225) 924-3900
or (800) 437-0303
LSU - (225) 924-LSU1

TO GIVE OR GET HELP
DIAL 2-1-1
(225) 923-2114
or (877) 923-2114

Information & Referrals
7 days a week