St. Charles trauma team urges prevention, action in wake of tragedy

St. Charles' Acute Care Surgery and Trauma Team is urging community members to work together to prevent the next life-ending or life-altering trauma through education and advocacy, after the tragedy at Silver Rail Elementary School earlier this month. This effort is in response to outreach from hundreds of community members who shared gratitude for the efforts of emergency caregivers at St. Charles, with many asking the question: what can we do to help?

"We are grateful for the extraordinary outpouring of support, compassion and solidarity. In the face of profound tragedy, we are empowered by the strength that comes from standing together, and believe we can influence what happens next," said Dr. Marika Gassner, trauma medical director. "We can support those who are hurting, invest in and protect our children, strengthen access to mental health care and advocate for meaningful injury prevention."

Gassner believes these resources are particularly important to share now because elevated risk can occur in communities following a crisis. The Acute Care Surgery and Trauma Team developed a guide for community members hoping to take meaningful action, including a call to action for individuals to donate blood and secure firearms, among others.

"While we know our community can often recover quickly we realize that some may need extra support and we are here for them," said Dr. Kenneth Hahn, medical director for the Bend Emergency Department. "Our team fights every day to preserve life. Our work does not end when the emergency ends. In the wake of this tragedy, we will continue to care, to heal and to lead in prevention."

If you need help, the following resources are available:

• Call or text 988 for the National Lifeline if you or someone is experiencing any level of emotional distress.

• Deschutes County Stabilization Center is open 24-hours-per day 7-days-per week to support walk-ins experiencing a mental health crisis, 63311 NE Jamison Street, Bend

• Call 911 in an emergency.