Empath Health will open their doors to the community for counseling and conversation about Sunday’s Orlando nightclub massacre tonight.
The Clearwater location offers residents a chance to address their fears, learn how to cope with a sudden loss of life in mass numbers and how to move forward after a tragedy.
“The conversation is really about you know how do we go about kind of going on with our daily lives or daily activities after something like this happens,” Kelly Allen, director of marketing and communications for Empath Health said.
The event “Talking about Tragedy: A Community Conversation about Hope and Healing,” will begin with a symbolic bell ringing to honor the 49 victims who died at Pulse Nightclub at the hands of shooter Omar Mateen.
Counselors who specialize in sudden traumatic loss will also be available to answer questions. In addition, counselors who work specifically with the LGBT community will be available to help those impacted loss and families who fear their loved ones could become victims.
“We also have someone who works specifically with the LGBT community, who is going to be on hand to talk about what does it mean to be a part of a targeted community and what does it mean for the loved ones of people who are of that community,” Allen said.
The free event will also deal with how to discuss tragic events with children.
“We’ll also have (information about) how to talk to your minor children about tragic events like this how much should you tell them when you should tell them that kind of things so it’s really guidance about dealing with these kinds of events,” Allen said.
“Talking about Tragedy” will begin at 6 p.m., Thursday, June 16 at Empath Health, 5771 Roosevelt Blvd. Building 100 in Clearwater.
