The September 6 shooting at the Fifth Third Center at Fountain Square left four people, including the shooter, dead, and two more wounded. But even people who were there that did not suffer physical harm during the shooting may be experiencing lasting emotional effects.
Survivors of mass shootings often struggle with anxiety, depression and difficulty sleeping. Studies also show that some face long-term psychological effects, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The Cincinnati Strong Victims Fund was created to support the survivors of the Fountain Square shooting. Fifth Third donated $1 million to the fund, in coordination with The National Compassion Fund, which has been committed to advancing victims' rights and helping victims for 30 years.
Joining Cincinnati Edition to discuss the emotional and psychological trauma mass shooting survivors and their loved ones may experience, and ways the Cincinnati Strong Victims Fund can support survivors, are Director of the Trauma Recovery Center at the Cincinnati VA Medical Center and Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of Cincinnati, Kathleen Chard, PhD.; UC Health Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing & Communications Officer Kristen Wevers, who is the chair of the Cincinnati Strong Victims Fund Steering Committee; and National Center for Victims of Crime Deputy Executive Director and Director of the National Crime Victim Bar Association, Jeff Dion.
Victims, family members and other interested persons are asked to register on the victim contact form on the Compassion Fund website. Victims and survivors with questions can call 1-855-4VICTIM, or email cincinnati@victimsofcrime.org. Applications must be submitted by December 10; funds will be distributed in January 2019.
Donations can be made on the Cincinnati Strong Victims Fund GoFundMe site through November 30.
Tune in to Cincinnati Edition Nov. 26 starting at 1 p.m. to hear this segment.