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LOWELLVILLE -- It is any parent's worst nightmare: Getting a text or flash message summoning you to your child's school because of an emergency.
Thursday's shooting at the Lowellville schools complex brought these fears to reality, and area counselors are working today to help students and parents cope with the consequences.
Duane Piccirilli, director of the Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board, said parents need to keep lines of communication open with their children who are experiencing trauma. And, Piccirilli is telling the puzzled or hurting students to reach out and be truthful about their thoughts.
"Talk to somebody," Piccirilli said to the children. "The best thing a friend can do is not to keep a secret. If you are having trouble talking to a loved one, call 211 or talk to an adult you are comfortable with -- a teacher, coach or minister."
TALK ABOUT IT
Thursday's shooting incident inside Lowellville's school complex occurred about 10:17 a.m. during a lunch period, police said. Only one student was injured in what appeared to be a self-inflicted shooting.
Superintendent Dr. Eugene Thomas said professional counseling services are available at the school today beginning at 8 a.m. Other school districts and local mental health providers reached out to Lowellville to offer their services and support.
Thomas said an incident like this doesn't just affect the school district where it happens.
"This touches the entire field of education and kids, not just at Lowellville," he said.
Piccirilli said students who witnessed the incident or the aftermath may have trouble sleeping, have flashbacks or be afraid to go back to school.
"It's absolutely imperative that they take part in counseling," he stressed. "It is important for parents to reach out to their children. You've got to keep the conversation going."
Joseph Shorokey, chief executive officer of Alta Behavioral Healthcare, said his organization is available for counseling sessions for those in the Lowellville community. Shorokey said one of Alta's counselors regularly works on site in Lowellville and had been serving as a point person at the school for students and staff during the Thursday morning tragedy.
"The community behavioral health system stands ready to provide any (and) all support to the students, parents and faculty in the Lowellville community," Shorokey said.
"It is a very chaotic and fluid situation right now," Shorokey said as details emerged.
Later, Shorokey said after talking with school officials and others, about 30 counselors will be available at the school this morning to help.
"About a dozen (representatives) are from Alta, and the rest are school counselors from various Mahoning County schools, coordinated by the Educational Service Center of Eastern Ohio," he said.
Suicide
prevention help
If you're feeling suicidal, here's where you can go for help:
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
• Text "GO" to 741741, the crisis text line to reach a trained crisis counselor via text.
• Call 211.
• Or talk to an adult you trust.