Volunteers form AHEC‑sponsored loss-support teams; training and rally plans set

Committee members announced the formation of a volunteer loss-support team sponsored by the Area Health Education Center (AHEC). Speaker 6 described plans for teams of at least two volunteers to maintain updated mental-health resource lists, participate in ongoing training and follow debriefing protocols. "We would have at least 2 members per team... maintain a current list of mental health resources," the presenter said.

AHEC will sponsor the initiative and provide oversight so volunteers and the committee are protected, speakers said. The group encouraged volunteers to take facilitator and loss-specific training; a three-day virtual facilitator training was mentioned for Feb. 20–22 and local "loss" training will be offered monthly. State and regional training partners (including free adult mental-health first-aid training from the Texas Department of State Health Services) will be coordinated with the committee.

The committee also announced holiday outreach and a 90-day rally planned for the corner of McPherson and Del, and invited volunteers to participate or hold local sign-posting events. The next SBC meeting was scheduled for Dec. 17, and a loss-team meeting is set for Dec. 5 at noon at the AHEC office for volunteers to learn protocols and next steps.

Speakers emphasized that the effort is voluntary, that protocols and boundaries will be respected, and that volunteers will receive training and support. The transcript does not record a formal adoption of an organizational charter or budget allocation; AHEC sponsorship was described as the operational sponsor.