Volunteers Needed to Support Suicide Loss Survivors in Yellowstone County
When someone dies by suicide, the pain left behind doesn’t just settle quietly, it echoes through the hearts of loved ones, often leaving them overwhelmed, confused, and alone in their grief. That’s where Yellowstone County’s Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors (L.O.S.S.) Team comes in. And now, they’re asking for your help.
A Call to Walk Alongside the Grieving
RiverStone Health, in partnership with the Yellowstone County Coroner’s Office, is looking for volunteers who want to be a steady presence in the lives of those navigating the aftermath of suicide loss. The L.O.S.S. Team is made up of trained volunteers, many of whom have walked this painful path themselves, who offer compassionate outreach to individuals and families when they need it most.
These volunteers aren’t there to “fix” anything. They show up to sit with, listen to, and walk beside survivors, offering hope, comfort, and understanding through personal visits, phone calls, mailed messages, and up to three free counseling sessions with licensed therapists who specialize in grief support.
A Rising Need for Support in Yellowstone County
The need for programs like L.O.S.S. has never been greater. Suicide is a preventable tragedy, but Montana continues to grapple with heartbreaking statistics. Between 2018 and 2020, the state’s suicide rate was nearly twice the national average. Yellowstone County’s rate during that same period was slightly higher than the state’s, at 26 deaths per 100,000 people.
Perhaps even more alarming is the shift in community mental health over time. According to the Yellowstone County Community Health Needs Assessment published in early 2023, nearly one in four adults surveyed admitted they had considered suicide. Compare that to just 8% in 2005, and it becomes clear we’re facing a mental health crisis that demands compassion, action, and connection.
Why the L.O.S.S. Team Matters
The pain of losing someone to suicide is complex. Survivors often wrestle with guilt, anger, confusion, and isolation. The L.O.S.S. Team meets survivors where they are, providing a safe space to talk openly and receive support from others who truly understand.
From an in-person visit shortly after a loss, to follow-up calls that say, “You’re not forgotten,” to mailed notes that offer encouragement on tough days, these small gestures make a world of difference. And for those who are ready, the offer of professional counseling provides a bridge toward deeper healing.
Are You Being Called to Help?
If you have lost someone to suicide and feel ready to support others in their grief, you could be the hope someone is searching for. The L.O.S.S. Team is seeking compassionate, nonjudgmental volunteers to be part of this life-affirming mission.
Whether you’re drawn to make in-person visits, send notes of encouragement, or offer a listening ear over the phone, there’s a place for you. Training and support will be provided, what matters most is your heart for helping others.
Visit RiverStoneHealth.org/LOSS to learn more about volunteering.
Spreading Awareness, Saving Lives
RiverStone Health and the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Yellowstone Valley are also working to raise awareness and promote education around suicide prevention in the broader community.
They offer free QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) trainings, a proven suicide prevention method similar to CPR. It equips everyday people to recognize warning signs and guide someone toward help. To schedule a QPR training for your organization, school, or group, call 406.247.3305 or email spcoalitionyv@gmail.com.
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The Coalition meets monthly and offers culturally sensitive public education and resources, because suicide prevention doesn’t just happen in clinics or crisis centers. It happens around dinner tables, in classrooms, in conversations with friends and coworkers.
Simple Steps Can Save a Life
More than 60% of suicides in Montana involve firearms. If you or someone you know owns a gun and may be struggling, please consider requesting a free gun lock for safe storage. It’s a small step that can make a huge impact.
Call 406.247.3305 or email spcoalitionyv@gmail.com to request a lock.
If You or a Loved One Is in Crisis
You are never alone. If you or someone you love is in crisis, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. Trained counselors are available 24/7 to listen, support, and help guide you toward hope.
Watch for These Warning Signs of Suicide
- Persistent sadness or depression
- Hopelessness
- Withdrawing from loved ones
- Giving away prized possessions
- Sudden changes in sleep or appetite
- Substance use or increased risk-taking
- Comments like “I’d be better off dead” or “I’m a burden”
Suicide touches all walks of life, but together, we can create a stronger, more supportive community. Whether you’re a survivor ready to serve others, someone seeking help, or simply a person who wants to make a difference, the L.O.S.S. Team offers a powerful way to turn pain into purpose.
Reach out. Volunteer. Be a voice of hope.
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