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Volunteer group LIFT outlines free peer support for people who lose loved ones to suicide, overdose
Summary
Volunteer coordinator Justin Roland told the Ripley County Board of Health that LIFT, a volunteer postvention team, provides free, peer-led support to families and friends grieving suicide or overdose; the group serves nearby counties, is trained in QPR and psychological first aid, and relies on coroner referrals and grant funding.
Justin Roland, volunteer coordinator for LIFT, told the Ripley County Board of Health that his all-volunteer group provides free peer support to people who have lost someone to suicide or drug overdose. "We're a group of volunteers who have lived experience," Roland said, adding that the team pairs volunteers and connects people with practical resources and grief materials at no charge.
Roland said LIFT has been operating for a little over two years, has a team of six volunteers and has served "25 to 30 people," primarily by responding to referrals from coroners or through self-referrals. "All our volunteers are trained through QPR, which is suicide prevention, and they're also trained in psychological first aid," he said, describing the group's training and debrief practices.
The presentation explained LIFT's two modes of service: on-scene responses when called by coroners (when feasible) and follow-up referrals for households who request support. Roland said volunteers meet in pairs, carry basic supplies (blankets, water, child-centered materials) and maintain confidentiality and liability waivers. He told the board the program covers resource costs through a community partnership and grant funding so that services remain free to those served.
Board members asked whether LIFT provides in-school group interventions and whether it works directly with EMS or law enforcement. Roland said the group's primary focus is immediate family or friends rather than classroom sessions. "We don't have anything in place where we go and, like, talk to groups of people," he said, but added he would connect schools with available resources if asked. He also said LIFT does not have a formal role supporting EMS or law enforcement on-scene but is communicating with Franklin County about processes and can provide referrals or connections when appropriate.
The board did not take formal action on the presentation. Roland encouraged anyone with questions or referrals to contact LIFT directly, noting the service is volunteer-run and funded through partnerships and grants.
