AUSTIN — West Side residents take steps to help each other’s mental health after a shooting near an Austin kindergarten.
Staff and children at the West Austin Development Center (4920 W. Madison Street) had two cases just weeks apart, said Tonja Brown, program director of the center’s preschool traumatic stress disorder program. has been plagued by shooting incidents. Some children said they were too scared to play outside after hearing the gunshots, Brown said.
To prevent further violence, neighbors and officials met earlier this month, where participants said they wanted to be more active and let people see the impact of violence on local children. They will meet again on Friday to connect neighbors with mental and physical health care resources as part of a long-term effort to support residents and prevent violence.
“You can’t make these kids think this is normal,” Brown said. “Kids should play outside when it’s hot outside. Don’t be afraid to get shot.”
The shooting occurred inside a school block. A 20-year-old woman was found dead at 4800 Block on West Madison Street at 10:15 a.m. on March 30, and two men were found dead at 4:50 p.m. on West Madison Street on April 3. was injured at 4900 blocks. Madison, the police said.
Organizers of the first meeting, which included Rep. LaSean Ford and members of local non-violent groups, encouraged neighbors to seek mental health screenings and therapy to help with trauma.
Hosted on Zoom on Friday at 12:30pm, hosts will be able to connect attendees with mental and physical health care. Ford said he will focus on mental health treatment and provide information about signing up for Medicaid so residents can get treatment.
“People need to be able to access mental health services, and that’s absolutely critical,” Ford said.
The Preschool Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Program provides free medical services to local children dealing with gun-related trauma. We also provide wraparound services for families needing help with housing and applying for government assistance, and provide trauma-related training for teachers so they can help children with PTSD-related symptoms. It offers.
P3 has about 200 patients and accepts applications for treatment and other treatments regardless of patient age, insurance or ability to pay, Brown said.
Violence saboteurs found that prolonged exposure to gun violence desensitizes children to violence, leading to depression, increased aggression, social withdrawal, and other mental health complications. said it is possible.
“I hope people are aware of their trauma and can help with it,” Ford said. “We’re still working to remove the stigma surrounding it.”
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