How can I help after school shooting?
February 14, 2018 6:43 PM Subscribe
Today's FL school shooting took place just down the road from me. What can I do to help?
Our community is in shock. I want to help, but I also don't want to get in the way. Thinking of heading to the ER tomorrow with toothbrushes, light blankets, etc for any of the family members who don't want to/can't leave. Remembering my own ER waits, and what could have helped in small ways.
What are some effective things I can do immediately to help those directly impacted by this crime? As horribly common as these events have become, there must be someone with insight on helpingin the immediate aftermath. I'm just too overwhelmed to find them right now, so I'd really appreciate your ideas. It may be that the Red Cross or other org has things in hand, but recent experience of a local emegency suggests that there's a lot of room for things to fall between the cracks.
Our community is in shock. I want to help, but I also don't want to get in the way. Thinking of heading to the ER tomorrow with toothbrushes, light blankets, etc for any of the family members who don't want to/can't leave. Remembering my own ER waits, and what could have helped in small ways.
What are some effective things I can do immediately to help those directly impacted by this crime? As horribly common as these events have become, there must be someone with insight on helpingin the immediate aftermath. I'm just too overwhelmed to find them right now, so I'd really appreciate your ideas. It may be that the Red Cross or other org has things in hand, but recent experience of a local emegency suggests that there's a lot of room for things to fall between the cracks.
The local Ronald McDonald House may already be helping families of minor victims at or adjunct to the local hospital. I’d call them and see if they want volunteers or can suggest locally specific places/times/groups to help.
posted by SaltySalticid at 7:44 PM on February 14, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by SaltySalticid at 7:44 PM on February 14, 2018 [2 favorites]
Become trained as a first responder.
Give blood, platelets, double blood, whatever you’re qualified to give.
Go through a vetting process to volunteer in schools. Community connection helps prevent these kinds of events, and helps in the time after.
Give money to a school activity. Debate team, video club, sponsor an and in the theatre clubs playbill. Giving kids safe activities helps prevent these kinds of events.
Call and write all of your government reps to ask what they’re doing to prevent gun violence.
Join big brothers/big sisters. Be an unconditionally caring adult for a kid.
Become a foster parent with a commitment to adopt a child. I’ve heard a rumor that the shooter was a foster kid. That system is so messed up and soul crushing. Give a kid a permanent loving unconditional family.
posted by bilabial at 7:48 PM on February 14, 2018 [4 favorites]
Give blood, platelets, double blood, whatever you’re qualified to give.
Go through a vetting process to volunteer in schools. Community connection helps prevent these kinds of events, and helps in the time after.
Give money to a school activity. Debate team, video club, sponsor an and in the theatre clubs playbill. Giving kids safe activities helps prevent these kinds of events.
Call and write all of your government reps to ask what they’re doing to prevent gun violence.
Join big brothers/big sisters. Be an unconditionally caring adult for a kid.
Become a foster parent with a commitment to adopt a child. I’ve heard a rumor that the shooter was a foster kid. That system is so messed up and soul crushing. Give a kid a permanent loving unconditional family.
posted by bilabial at 7:48 PM on February 14, 2018 [4 favorites]
My answers were mostly longer term projects. The temptation to swoop in and give right now is strong, but it’s the day to day efforts, small and large, that are most needed. Notice people and things around you that need care, and find ways to deliver that care.
You can’t do it all, but we can no longer do nothing. (I’m not saying you’re doing nothing, but as a society, we need to be doing more.)
posted by bilabial at 7:50 PM on February 14, 2018 [3 favorites]
You can’t do it all, but we can no longer do nothing. (I’m not saying you’re doing nothing, but as a society, we need to be doing more.)
posted by bilabial at 7:50 PM on February 14, 2018 [3 favorites]
Visiting the ER with supplies is good. In addition to toothbrushes/blankets, you could bring combs/brushes, hair ties, granola/energy bars, and if you have easy access, t-shirts and sweatpants - long hospital vigils don't include laundry access. If you have access to small/cheap pillows, those are good; hospitals will often let family members stay, but sleeping in a chair is difficult.
They probably have phones, so the old standby of "couple of books/magazines" isn't likely relevant. But puzzle books (sudoku, crosswords, word search) might be enjoyed; there are apps for those, but for a lot of people, it's not the same, or the apps are too small for their eyes to see. Or fidget toys may be useful.
Phone charge cords, both lightning and USB, may be in demand - some people won't have a way to recharge at the hospital.
If you're able to be mobile, ask if people would like you to fetch food for them. Hospital fare is limited. They may have money but no way to go out to McDonald's or get pizza. (If you're mobile enough, general errand-running would be a godsend. Offering to pick up people's mail or feed pets would be very helpful.)
People may like small notebooks and pens; there are often plenty of small details to keep track of, and a lot of people (me included) have never really gotten the hang of using a phone for that.
For those that aren't at the ER, offering to bring meals - casseroles, pizza, etc. - may help them focus on what they need to instead of panicking in multiple directions.
posted by ErisLordFreedom at 8:31 PM on February 14, 2018 [2 favorites]
They probably have phones, so the old standby of "couple of books/magazines" isn't likely relevant. But puzzle books (sudoku, crosswords, word search) might be enjoyed; there are apps for those, but for a lot of people, it's not the same, or the apps are too small for their eyes to see. Or fidget toys may be useful.
Phone charge cords, both lightning and USB, may be in demand - some people won't have a way to recharge at the hospital.
If you're able to be mobile, ask if people would like you to fetch food for them. Hospital fare is limited. They may have money but no way to go out to McDonald's or get pizza. (If you're mobile enough, general errand-running would be a godsend. Offering to pick up people's mail or feed pets would be very helpful.)
People may like small notebooks and pens; there are often plenty of small details to keep track of, and a lot of people (me included) have never really gotten the hang of using a phone for that.
For those that aren't at the ER, offering to bring meals - casseroles, pizza, etc. - may help them focus on what they need to instead of panicking in multiple directions.
posted by ErisLordFreedom at 8:31 PM on February 14, 2018 [2 favorites]
This won't help for this particular horror (please flag for deletion if you like), but for future preparedness and fewer feelings of helplessness, consider taking Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training, which is done under the auspices of the Fire Department: "When emergencies happen, CERT members can give critical support to first responders, provide immediate assistance to victims, and organize spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site. CERT members can also help with non-emergency projects that help improve the safety of the community."
(We are taking the San Francisco version right now and it feels pretty great to be getting trained and ready. Most (urban-ish) communities have something like this!)
Thank you for wanting to do something.
posted by rtha at 10:12 PM on February 14, 2018 [1 favorite]
(We are taking the San Francisco version right now and it feels pretty great to be getting trained and ready. Most (urban-ish) communities have something like this!)
Thank you for wanting to do something.
posted by rtha at 10:12 PM on February 14, 2018 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Not to threadsit, but in case someone else in our area finds this ask. Organizations/resources for help, some of which I'll be reaching out to as a mobile person with resources. A friend posted this info on social media:
In this difficult time, there are resources available for anyone struggling to cope with this trauma. Grief counselors are available at:
-Parkland Recreation Center amphitheater, which is open all night tonight
-Westglades Middle School, which will be open Thurs and Fri
-Pines Trails Park Recreation Center
-Coral Springs Gymnasium
-Coral Springs Center for Performing Arts
-Broward’s 24/7 helpline by calling 211
-CDC’s disaster distress helpline by texting TalkWithUs to 66746
Crisis support teams and locations announced by Broward County Schools:
BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
LOCATIONS FOR CRISIS RESPONSE TEAMS
Pines Trails Park
10559 Trails End
Parkland, FL 33076
Location #1: Recreational Center
Location #2: Amphitheatre
Contacts: Mrs. Mickey Pope or Dr. Laurel Thompson
Coral Springs Gymnasium
2501 Coral Springs Drive
Coral Springs, FL 33065
Contact: Mrs. Marie Claire Mucenic
Coral Springs Center for Performing Arts
2855 Coral Springs Drive
Coral Springs, FL 33065
Contact: Mrs. Susan Vialpando
Crisis Support will be provided to all BCPS Employees at the following location:
Parkland Library
6620 North University Drive
Coral Springs, FL 33076
Contact: Mrs. Marie Arterberry
posted by Nancy_LockIsLit_Palmer at 4:00 AM on February 15, 2018 [1 favorite]
In this difficult time, there are resources available for anyone struggling to cope with this trauma. Grief counselors are available at:
-Parkland Recreation Center amphitheater, which is open all night tonight
-Westglades Middle School, which will be open Thurs and Fri
-Pines Trails Park Recreation Center
-Coral Springs Gymnasium
-Coral Springs Center for Performing Arts
-Broward’s 24/7 helpline by calling 211
-CDC’s disaster distress helpline by texting TalkWithUs to 66746
Crisis support teams and locations announced by Broward County Schools:
BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
LOCATIONS FOR CRISIS RESPONSE TEAMS
Pines Trails Park
10559 Trails End
Parkland, FL 33076
Location #1: Recreational Center
Location #2: Amphitheatre
Contacts: Mrs. Mickey Pope or Dr. Laurel Thompson
Coral Springs Gymnasium
2501 Coral Springs Drive
Coral Springs, FL 33065
Contact: Mrs. Marie Claire Mucenic
Coral Springs Center for Performing Arts
2855 Coral Springs Drive
Coral Springs, FL 33065
Contact: Mrs. Susan Vialpando
Crisis Support will be provided to all BCPS Employees at the following location:
Parkland Library
6620 North University Drive
Coral Springs, FL 33076
Contact: Mrs. Marie Arterberry
posted by Nancy_LockIsLit_Palmer at 4:00 AM on February 15, 2018 [1 favorite]
Highlighting at the top of your voice, in your social circles, in your public media, in your local politicians offices, at your national representatives offices that this is not acceptable, and that the NRA stranglehold on the country which continues to kill our nation's children is despicable and must be stopped?
posted by eglenner at 12:26 AM on February 16, 2018
posted by eglenner at 12:26 AM on February 16, 2018
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by Jacqueline at 6:46 PM on February 14, 2018 [8 favorites]