We Must Come Together to Reach a Goal of Zero Incidents
In response to the Lewiston, Maine mass shooting where at least 18 people lost their lives, and countless more are suffering physical and emotional pain, JP Guilbault, CEO of Navigate360, issued the following statement.
“My heart breaks for the families and community of Lewiston, Maine as we start today with feelings of grief and solidarity, profoundly frustrated by the tragic loss of at least 18 precious, innocent lives in yet another senseless act of mass violence.
It is with a heavy heart that we acknowledge a staggering statistic: there have been 565 mass shootings in our nation this year. This gut-wrenching number should compel us all to act, to make a difference, and to prevent further loss of life.
Data show these tragic events are preventable. According to data from the U.S. Secret Service, numerous planned mass shootings have been thwarted due to individuals noticing signs of distress or concerning behavior and reporting it. Our collective vigilance can save lives.
It is a sobering reality of today’s world that we must be prepared to respond to such incidents, not only in schools, but in public spaces, workplaces, and places of worship. In the face of such violence, we recognize the pressing need for increased awareness and knowledge on how to respond to mass shooting events. This knowledge can be a lifesaver, allowing us to protect ourselves and those around us.
Moreover, we must address the critical need for responsible gun policies, threat assessment, and mental health supports to safeguard our society.
As a collective society we must come together from all disciplines to reach a goal of zero incidents – where people can learn, work, and gather without fear.”
With heartfelt empathy –
JP Guilbault
Ways to Cope with Grief After Community Violence
Today, the families and community of Lewiston Maine need our support as they grieve, cope, and strive to recover. After surviving or witnessing such a traumatic event, survivors can experience a range of emotions, from grief to depression to anger. While these reactions are common, they cannot be ignored. It is important to be able to recognize these signs of grief and trauma. We would like to share resources to help you, or anyone in your community, struggling to navigate these difficult emotions.
