In this episode of the Hope Illuminated podcast, I speak with the remarkable Barb Smith. We explored the critical importance of proactive postvention - reaching out to support suicide loss survivors in the immediate aftermath. Like me, Barb was propelled into this work after losing her brother John, and she's created an incredible model of community support through her Suicide Resource and Response Network in Michigan.
The research is clear - when we provide early intervention and support to those bereaved by suicide, we can help prevent years of "stumbling around in the dark forest" as my mentor Frank Campbell so aptly describes it. Dr. Julie Cerel's groundbreaking work shows that up to 135 people are exposed to each suicide death, with 15-35 people experiencing intimate, life-changing impacts. That's over 1.2 million Americans annually who need our support. Through active postvention teams and victim advocates, we can help these survivors navigate the intense emotions, practical challenges, and healing journey ahead.
What gives me hope is seeing how communities can rally together to support those impacted by suicide loss. Whether through LOSS teams (Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors), victim advocacy programs, or simply creating care packages with resources and comfort items, we can let people know they're not alone. As Barb beautifully reminded us - suicide changes us, but it doesn't have to destroy us. Twenty years after losing Carson, I still feel profound grief on his death anniversary, but I've found ways to channel that pain into purpose. Through proactive postvention, we can help others find their path forward too.
About Barb Smith:
President of the Barb Smith Suicide Resource & Response Network, recognized at the state and national level for its advocacy work in suicide prevention and aftercare.
Barb founded and facilitates one of the first and longest survivors of suicide loss support groups in Michigan. She was a voice when there was silence and stigma around suicide survivors in honor of her brother John.
As a Victims Advocate coordinator for the Saginaw County Sheriff Dept, Barb has responded with first responders to support hundreds of families following a tragic death.
Barb founded the regional LOSS team (local outreach for suicide survivors) to meet with families as a follow-up to deaths by suicide to bring hope, resources, and connections to workplaces, homes, and community spaces.
In 2020 Barb was appointed to the Governor’s Suicide Prevention Commission, most recently she was honored with the Saving A Life Award from Kevin’s Song (a statewide advocacy organization) Michigan Special Honoree award from National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI). Locally, her advocacy awarded her the Health Angel Award from the Saginaw Medical Society and the WAVE award for Saginaw County.
