The tragedies that occurred on March 22 at the Table Mesa King Soopers impact not only victim’s families but also the entire community of Boulder as well as Arvada, the Denver Metro area, our state, and the nation. Inside of the veterinary profession, we are keenly aware of mental health issues and this tragedy has impacted several of our staff members who are closely tied to both the Boulder and Arvada communities. We are holding all families in our prayers with love and light.
As we move through this together as a community, please take time to talk to your friends, families, and neighbors. Give your pet a hug each day, smile for no reason, feel the warmth of a sunny, Colorado day and reach out to one another with kindness. While COVID-19 may have separated us this past year, you are never alone and we are always stronger together.
Supporting those Impacted
- Mental Health Partners (MHP) of Colorado provides a 24/7 crisis center with walk-in capacity and crisis intervention service at 3180 Airport Road, Boulder CO. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please call 1-844-493-TALK (8255).
- MHP of Colorado also has community health workers that can assist in navigating local health care, food stamp assistance, housing etc. Call 303-545-0852 or visit them on Facebook.
- The Disaster Distress Helpline provides crisis counseling and support. Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746. Treatment referrals and information also available at 1-800-662-HELP.
Talking with Kids
- The National Association of School Psychologists provides tips on talking to children about violence.
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers tips about talking with and Helping Children and Young Adults Cope after a Disaster or Traumatic Event.
Dealing with Grief and Communities in Mourning
- MHP of Colorado discusses Coping with Grief after Community Violence
Making a Donation
The Boulder County Crisis Fund is organized by the Community Foundation serving Boulder County in partnership with the City of Boulder, Rose Community Foundation, Together Colorado (a faith coalition including Westview Church, Congregation Har Hashem, Congregation Bonai Shalom, First Congregational Church and Boulder Mennonite Church) and the Colorado Healing Fund. Proceeds go towards supporting the needs of those directly affected and the needs of the Boulder community to heal. You can donate here, or through the following options:
- Checks, made out to “Community Foundation Boulder County” with “Crisis Fund” in the memo line, can be mailed to Community Foundation Boulder County, 1123 Spruce Street, Boulder, CO, 80302.
- Contact Lynda Ricketson, Vice President of Philanthropic Services, at 720-667-3557 to ask about gifts of stock or other options.
Honoring the Victims
- An in-person candlelight vigil for the victims is planned for 7 p.m. Wednesday at Boulder County Courthouse on the Pearl Street Mall.
- Boulder City Council will hold a special emergency virtual meeting meeting to hear from Boulder residents and honor the victims of Monday’s shooting today at 6pm.
- A second vigil is planned for 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Fairview High School, 1515 Greenbriar Blvd., Boulder. The vigil is being organized by the Colorado chapter of Moms Demand Action. Because of coronavirus restrictions, participants are asked to use the parking lot as a drive in.
Following the Story
In the wake of this week’s tragedy, Boulder has activated it’s Emergency Operations. You can also follow Boulder Police on Twitter.
