The volunteer-based Lewis County Traumatic Loss Team (a postvention team) provides support to the community after a death by suicide occurs. Area agencies engage in regular communication and actively refer community members to the postvention team. The postvention team drafts an annual letter that describes the number of referrals they received from community partners, the grief support services they provided, and their gratitude for community partners’ support. This letter helps the team provide progress reports and ensures the work of all coordinating partners is recognized over time.
– Anna Platz, Deputy Public Health Director, Lewis County, New York