05/18/2026
Local Coalition Exploring Additional Support After Su***de Loss
Members of the Community of Hope: Fayette County Su***de Prevention Coalition are continuing conversations about how Fayette County can better support individuals and families impacted by su***de loss.
Recently, coalition members attended the Appalachian Ohio Su***de Prevention Alliance L.O.S.S. Team Infrastructure Training through the Ohio Su***de Prevention Foundation to learn how communities across the state respond to su***de loss and connect survivors with support and resources.
L.O.S.S. stands for Local Outreach to Su***de Survivors. These teams are designed to provide immediate outreach and compassionate support to those grieving after a su***de death.
“In a small community like ours, one loss is felt by so many,” said Kelly Shiltz of Integrated Services for Behavioral Health/OhioRISE. “We know the impact reaches far beyond immediate family members, and we want to continue learning how Fayette County can respond with compassion, connection, and support.”
Coalition members say the training helped spark important local conversations about grief, trauma, and the role community partnerships can play in supporting healing.
“At this stage, we’re listening, learning, and talking with community partners about what support could look like here,” said Missy Smith, Fayette County Public Health. “We know every community is different, and we want our efforts to reflect Fayette County’s unique needs and strengths.”
The training was coordinated by Jeenee Morrison, LISW-S, M.S., Community Engagement and Partnership Coordinator (CEPC), Office of Su***de Prevention, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Chillicothe VA Medical Center, and led by Dallas Allen, Postvention Program Manager for the Ohio Su***de Prevention Foundation. Morrison is leading the exploration into developing a L.O.S.S. team locally.
The coalition plans to continue meeting with local partners and professionals in the coming months to gather insight and explore next steps. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the Community of Hope: Fayette County Su***de Prevention Coalition is working to strengthen efforts to reduce su***des in Fayette County.
Anyone interested in learning more about the coalition or local su***de prevention efforts can follow Fayette County Public Health or the Community of Hope: Fayette County Su***de Prevention Coalition on Facebook or call Missy Smith at 740-335-5910.
Missy Smith, Fayette County Public Health-OHIO, Jeenee Morrison, Chillicothe VA, and Kelly Shiltz, Integrated Services for Behavioral Health / OhioRISE, recently attended the Appalachian Ohio Su***de Prevention Alliance L.O.S.S. Team Infrastructure Training through the Ohio Su***de Prevention Foundation on behalf of Fayette County. The program was led by Dallas Allen, of the Ohio Su***de Prevention Foundation. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the Community of Hope: Fayette County Su***de Prevention Coalition is working to strengthen efforts to reduce su***des in Fayette County.
