MOBILE, Alabama (WALA) – It’s been almost a week since one man was killed and seven innocent people were injured. But there are some people who are still dealing with trauma.
“You may not have been shot or injured anyway, but everyone who was there was part of the incident,” said Corporal Nathaniel McCarty of MPD’s Victim Services Unit.
MPD’s Victim Services Unit offers two events that connect people in need with counseling and crisis intervention resources so they can get the help they need.
Victim advocate Stacey Woodyard said, “Mental health care is available, but not everyone has access to it, so we want to make sure people on mobile have access to this care.” I wanted to hold these two events in the future,” he said.
MPD victim advocates say they’ve already received calls from several people last Saturday seeking help dealing with what they saw and heard.
“There’s a young woman out there who witnessed this incident. She’s having trouble sleeping right now,” said victim advocate Brandi Batiste. I just want to get back into my life so I can live it to the fullest.”
Seven different agencies, including AltaPointe Health, will be on site to guide people to the best resources.
“We can talk to them on the spot and help them process things or refer them to outpatient counseling services,” said Dr. Cindy Gipson.
Although there is no one-size-fits-all for moving forward. Officials say seeking help can be an important first step.
“Everyone reacts differently and what they need to heal it and move beyond it,” Gipson said.
“We have a way for you to get that total healing in the process. Come out and see what resources are available,” McCarty said.
If you want to connect with mental health resources, you can go to Public Safety Memorial Park on Saturday, January 7 from 10am-noon. We will be hosting another event at District 2601 Dauphin Island Parkway.
If you are unable to attend one of these events, you can also call Lifeline’s Counseling Services Crisis Hotline at 251-473-7273.
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