When a major crisis such as a mass shooting occurs, it not only affects the immediate community, but also impacts people outside of it. In the wake of the recent shooting at a high school in Perry, Iowa, many individuals, including students, educators, and parents from other areas, have joined in grieving with the town. This collective trauma has left many feeling a sense of loss and diminished safety, according to Iowa City psychologist Holly Sanger.
Sanger, along with experts in school crisis response and Mike Beranek, president of the Iowa State Education Association, joined host Charity Nebbe on Talk of Iowa to discuss how to support survivors in the aftermath of such a tragedy and identify when to seek help. Also present were Taylor Ford, assistant director of clinical services and crisis response at the Scanlan Center for School Mental Health, and Jane King, school psychologist and co-lead for crisis prevention and response at the Green Hills Area Education Agency.
The panel provided valuable insights into the challenges faced by those affected by school shootings and offered guidance on how to effectively provide support. They highlighted the importance of recognizing the signs of trauma in survivors and the significance of seeking professional help when needed. Furthermore, they discussed the need for a collective effort to address the long-term impact of such events on individuals and communities.
In the aftermath of the tragic shooting at the Perry high school in Iowa, experts and community leaders have come together to address the emotional toll of the event on survivors and those beyond the immediate community. By offering guidance and support, they aim to help individuals cope with the trauma and begin the healing process. The importance of seeking professional help and working collectively to address the long-term impact of such events has also been emphasized.