DSU student develops postvention services for suicide loss survivors

DJ’s Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting suicide loss survivors in Delaware, announced intern Bree Durant-Russ has joined its team.

A Delaware State University student and Lewes resident, Durant-Russ is now putting her own personal experiences to work helping others learn to navigate their own grief through postvention, the support offered after a death by suicide has occurred.

“To me, postvention is a crucial form of support that helps individuals and communities cope with the aftermath of suicide. It goes beyond crisis intervention by offering long-term guidance, resources and a sense of connection to those left behind. Effective postvention not only aids in healing but also plays a key role in suicide prevention by fostering awareness and reducing stigma,” said Durant-Russ.

As an intern for DJ’s Alliance, she’s helping to fuel the change needed in her home state to make that kind of programming available by working to provide personalized support to survivors like herself.

“I chose to work with DJ’s Alliance because I have personally experienced the devastating impact of losing a loved one to suicide. I navigated my grief alone and often wished there had been a support system to guide me through the healing process,” Durant-Russ said. “By working with this organization, I hope to provide the kind of compassionate support that I once needed, ensuring that no one has to go through this journey alone.”

A first-year student in DSU’s master’s in social work degree program, Durant-Russ previously earned a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science from Wilmington University.

DJ’s Alliance founder and Executive Director Jennifer Antonik said Durant-Russ has already been instrumental in getting programming going.

“Bree hit the ground running and is using her expertise to carefully author a facilitator’s guide for our trained peers who volunteer their time to support new survivors in their grief. She has also worked on developing presentations for our community outreach efforts and has been instrumental in helping begin our new support groups,” Antonik said.

Durant-Russ said she hopes her efforts with DJ’s Alliance help contribute to the healing process of others, making it a smoother transition for them while empowering them through their grief while she continues on her own journey to become a licensed therapist specializing in trauma, grief and loss.

“I want to create a safe space where people from all walks of life feel heard, understood and empowered to heal. This internship is a vital step toward that goal, allowing me to gain hands-on experience and make a meaningful impact in the field of mental health,” she said.

To refer a suicide loss survivor in Delaware to DJ’s Alliance or for more information, go to DJsAlliance.com.

To connect immediately with a caring and trained crisis counselor, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7 for free, confidential support.