In the wake of recent shootings in the Johnstown area, mental health experts in Cambria County are warning that community violence doesn’t just affect the people directly involved; It can shake an entire region with grief, fear and uncertainty.
“We were just thinking about looking at all the negative posting and looking at all the negative comments and all the sadness and every negative thing,” said Tiffany McMullen, a housing and resource advocate with Victim Services.
McMullen said part of the organization’s work is helping people process what they’re feeling and move forward. “Part of our job is to help take those negative emotions and try to rebuild that positivity, try to let the community know that these feelings are normal and that there is a way to pass through them,” she said.
In response to the recent violence, McMullen said Victim Services is actively reaching out to offer support, with a focus on getting ahead of community needs. “We pay attention to what’s going on because our goal is to be proactive with the violence in the community or any of the issues in the community instead of reactive,” she said.
Victim Services said it offers completely free mental health resources for Cambria and Somerset county residents, including trauma therapy, grief counseling and violence prevention services. McMullen encouraged anyone who is struggling or even just curious about what help is available to take an initial step, even if they’re not ready for more. “If you just want to come and talk to somebody about what we offer or call in to find out what we offer, that’s the first step. Even if you don’t move past that step right now, it’s still there,” she said.
McMullen said hesitation is common, especially for people worried about how they’ll be treated when they ask for help. “There’s a lot of fear you know of being judged or you know being told they don’t matter or who knows but that is completely normal and that is what we’re here for is to help you,” she said.
Victim Services can be reached at 814-288-4961.