Crisis support sessions set for Friday in Bend following school tragedy
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Deschutes County Health Services, St. Charles Health System and Bend-La Pine Schools are partnering to host free, walk-in community support events Friday, Oct. 16, following a tragedy at Silver Rail Elementary.
The drop-in gatherings are designed to provide immediate support, connection and crisis stabilization tools for students, families, staff and community members.
The events will utilize the Critical Incident Stress Management framework. Critical Incident Stress Management is a structured, short-term supportive discussion designed to help individuals process acute physical, mental and emotional reactions that follow traumatic experiences.
The framework is not psychotherapy or clinical counseling. Instead, it provides a safe environment to understand normal stress responses, share experiences and learn practical coping tools from trained peers and professionals.
Two drop-in sessions are scheduled for Friday, Oct. 16, in Bend. The first gathering runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Deschutes Public Library Central Library, located at 61956 SE Santorini St. A second gathering takes place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Larkspur Community Center, located at 1600 SE Reed Market Rd.
At each location, professional crisis response staff and peers will lead small-group discussions and offer guidance on how to speak with children about traumatic events. Staff members will also assist attendees in connecting with local resources.
Shannon Brister-Raugust, behavioral health director for Deschutes County Health Services, emphasized the intent behind organizing the sessions. “Today's events have deeply shaken our entire community, especially our families, students, first responders and educators at Silver Rail Elementary,” Brister-Raugust said. “And we want our community to know the resources they have and that we are here to help.”
Molly Wells Darling, senior director for behavioral health with St. Charles Health System, noted the ongoing commitment required for community recovery. “We know that healing takes time and we are committed to working alongside our local partners to provide the safe spaces, emotional support and care that our neighbors need right now,” Wells Darling said.
For individuals seeking immediate help outside of the scheduled gatherings, specialized county and regional services remain fully operational. The Deschutes County Stabilization Center is open 24 hours a day at 63311 NE Jamison St. in Bend. Support is also available by calling the local crisis line at 541-322-7500 ext. 9, or by calling or texting 988 to reach the national hotline at any time.
