Sheriff’s Office, LOSS Team to Host Remembrance Event Aug. 8
The Geauga County Sheriff’s Office, with the Geauga LOSS Team, are planning a Remembrance Event to be held on Aug. 8, from 5-7 p.m., on Chardon Square.
The Geauga County Sheriff’s Office, with the Geauga LOSS Team, are planning a Remembrance Event to be held on Aug. 8, from 5-7 p.m., on Chardon Square.
The Geauga LOSS (Local Outreach Supporting Survivors) Team received funding this year from the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation to initiate postvention work around Northeast Ohio.
Postvention is an intervention conducted after a suicide, largely taking the form of support for the bereaved — family, friends, professionals and peers. The bereaved experience greater rates of suicidal ideation, suicide risk, mental health symptoms, serious depression and social isolation.
The grief process is complicated by several factors, including law enforcement involvement, legal investigations and the logistics that need to be attended to after a death, such as cleaning up the death scene and funerals.
“This is the reason we are hosting this year’s Remembrance Event to bring awareness of support and services,” said Tracy Jordan, victim advocate with the sheriff’s office and director of LOSS Team. “The Remembrance Event offers an opportunity for family members to share their memories and help each other through the grief process.”
The first 100 participants will receive their own butterfly to release in their loved one’s name.
“Releasing butterflies during a remembrance event can have a profound emotional impact on those in attendance,” Jordan said. “The sight of these delicate creatures taking flight can evoke a sense of awe and wonder, helping attendees connect with their emotions and find solace in the beauty of the moment.”
She added, “Each person’s grief journey is represented by the butterfly flight; no one can tell you how long the journey takes because everyone grieves in their own way. Your loss stays with you but transforms from devastating pain to acceptance of loss then on to strength to move forward with your life. The act of releasing butterflies can be especially comforting for children as it provides a tangible and gentle way to understand the concept of death and transformation.”
Participates may bring a photo of their loved one to share, honor and celebrate at the memory table.
“We will also be hosting a hot dog picnic, basket raffle and support from area counties with resource tables,” Jordan said.
For more information, contact Tracy Jordan at 440-279-2062 or tjordan@co.geauga.oh.us.
