PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention (MCSP) has selected Brian Berkel to receive the Leadership in Suicide Prevention Award this year.

 

Berkel, a retired Lieutenant with the State Police, currently serves as President of the Berkshire Coalition for Suicide Prevention (BCSP). In his role as President, Berkel has created a bridge between BCSP and first responders, the District Attorney's office, local community mental health providers, minority organizations, and other area mental health and suicide prevention advocates.

 

In his role, Berkel led a group of suicide loss survivors and volunteers to form and launch a Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors (LOSS) team in Berkshire County. LOSS teams are made up of trained first responders and survivors of suicide loss who go to the scene of a suicide to provide support, information about available resources, and hope to the newly bereaved. The goal of the LOSS model is to make sure survivors do not wait years to get the help they need to cope with this devastating and traumatic loss.

 

Without postvention, the average length of time that survivors of suicide loss take to reach out for help is 4.5 years; research shows that people bereaved by a suicide loss are at increased risk for dying by suicide themselves. The Berkshire County LOSS team will work in conjunction with the Berkshire County District Attorney's Office.

 

In addition to the LOSS team, Berkel supported a media campaign to promote the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which provides free and confidential emotional support to people in a suicidal crisis or emotional distress. He also arranged for Board members to receive various trainings such as Talk Saves Lives, Mental Health First Aid, and Signs of Suicide (SOS). He is also a strong advocate for gun safety.

 

In addition to his long-term affiliation with BCSP, Berkel also serves as Treasurer on the board of Berkshire HorseWorks and for the Pittsfield Lions Club, as well as serving as a Board Member for the Non-Profit Center of the Berkshires. Past community involvement incudes volunteering as a mentor to at-risk youth through Big Brothers of Berkshire County and 18 Degrees.

 

"I have worked with Brian [Berkel] on the Coalition for about nine years. I have always respected him as a board member, but his leadership is inspiring. His ability to form positive relationships across the community is exactly what the coalition needs in order to connect those who struggle and provide support programs for those who have lost a loved on to suicide," he said.

 

The Leadership in Suicide Prevention Award award will be presented to Berkel on March 4, 2023, at the annual MCSP State House Day.