On July 20, 2012, during an afternoon press conference by the Aurora Colorado Police Department, Arapahoe County District Attorney Carol Chambers encouraged victims of the Colorado shooting to get counseling through the Aurora Mental Health Center. Stating there were resources to help the financially disadvantaged, she stressed the importance of getting crisis counseling and told victims not to let finances stand in their way.
Chambers stated, “With this many victims, we have two concerns. One is providing information that they need and providing resources that they need. We will --at this point in time, victims should be contacting the Aurora Police Department and they should be looking for resources on the Aurora Police Department website.”
Aurora County residents may find updated information regarding vehicle pickup, road closures, and more through the official government website.
Chambers also addressed the need for specific information on the case and said a specific email will be set up in order to provide case information.
Speaking directly to those who may need counseling, Chambers stated, “ I want to say that the Aurora Mental Health Center has agreed to stay open 24 hours a day for this weekend. If people -- people may feel fine now and they may have a problem tomorrow, they may have a problem next week, they may have a problem several months down the line, but they should seek some counseling or resources if they've been victims. That's -- it's to be expected. If there are financial issues, that should not stop them. They should contact us for financial resources. So, we want to make sure we are getting out whatever our victims in this case need.”
Those who experienced the shooting firsthand may suffer Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Even those who think they have handled the trauma well may find that overtime they deal with depression, fear, nightmares, panic and anxiety disorders and more. Speaking to a counselor as soon as possible is one of the most important steps victims can take in times of tragedy.
The Aurora Mental Health Center has crisis counselors available day and night at 1-303-617-2300. The Center has provided a number of resources victims may use immediately including information regarding helping kids handle the aftermath of the shooting, cope with trauma, and dealing with media coverage. You may access those resources here: Aurora Mental Health Center Crisis Management
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