Hundreds gather at Drake Park in Bend, Ore., Monday, Aug. 29, 2022, for a vigil to honor victims of a shooting the day prior. A gunman opened fire at a Safeway in Bend on Sunday, killing two people.
Bradley W. Parks / OPB
This week, Deschutes County is offering free counseling for people who were affected by Sunday’s shooting in Bend, which has left at least three people dead, including the gunman.
Both one-on-one and small group supports are available in Spanish and English for those who walk in.
Nick Chamberlain is a behavioral health specialist for the county. He says receiving immediate support after a traumatic event is crucial.
“I think it’s absolutely monumental in the process of healing and positive change in the wake of something like this,” he said. “Within the field, we find that the sooner people have an opportunity to process, connect with others, the less likely that they’ll be carrying around and struggling with mental health.”
Chamberlain added that people who receive services immediately are less likely to face issues like anxiety or lack of sleep. The free support is available through Friday, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Pilot Butte Middle School in Bend.
Chamberlain spoke to “Think Out Loud” host Dave Miller about the support. Click play to listen to the full conversation:
