Iowa City, Iowa – A community and its surrounding areas can be deeply affected by a collective trauma following a major crisis such as a mass shooting, according to psychologist Holly Sanger. The recent shooting at a high school in Perry, Iowa has not only shaken the local community, but also impacted students, educators, and parents beyond the town’s borders, leaving them with a sense of grief and a diminished feeling of safety.
The aftermath of a school shooting can have long-lasting effects on survivors, and it is important to understand how to help them cope in the wake of such a tragedy. On a recent episode of “Talk of Iowa,” host Charity Nebbe was joined by Sanger, along with experts in school crisis response and Mike Beranek, president of the Iowa State Education Association, to discuss strategies for supporting survivors and recognizing when to seek help.
The guests included Holly Sanger, a clinical psychologist based in Iowa City and a volunteer with Moms Demand Action; Taylor Ford, assistant director of clinical services and crisis response at the Scanlan Center for School Mental Health and adjunct instructor at the University of Iowa School of Social Work; Mike Beranek, the president of the Iowa State Education Association; and Jane King, a school psychologist and co-lead for crisis prevention and response at Green Hills Area Education Agency.
During the discussion, the experts addressed the psychological impact of a school shooting on the community and provided insights into how to best support survivors and those affected by the tragedy. They also emphasized the importance of knowing when to seek professional help and the resources available for those in need.
The shooting at the high school in Perry, Iowa has had a profound impact on the community and beyond, leading to a collective trauma that resonates with survivors, students, educators, and parents. As the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of the tragedy, it is crucial to provide support and resources for those in need during this difficult time.