Florence to offer mental health services Wednesday in response to mass shooting
The city of Florence will offer mental health assistance to those grieving over a deadly mass shooting last weekend.
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, people can go to the Florence Government Center and talk to mental health professionals, who can also help individuals get set up with longer-term care. Two therapy dogs and a therapy bunny will also be on hand to comfort visitors.
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Mayor Julie Metzger Aubuchon announced the counseling services during a prayer vigil Tuesday evening at Crossroads Church in Florence. It was to honor the victims of a mass shooting on Saturday that occurred during a party on Ridgecrest Drive, where four people were killed and three were wounded. Law enforcement identified the shooter as 21-year-old Chase Garvey. Police said he turned the gun on himself shortly after the shooting and then died at a local hospital.
By the church's headcount estimates, between 1,500 and 2,000 people showed up to Crossroads for the prayer service. A packed auditorium heard inspirational words from Pastor Kacie Bryant and worship music throughout the evening, followed by a candle-lighting. They prayed for the families of the victims killed: Melissa Parrett, 44, of Florence; Shane Miller, 20, of Florence; Hayden Rybicki, 20, of Elsmere; and Delaney Eary, 19, of Burlington.
The mayor said she has visited with the families of the slain victims, as well as the three that were shot and now recovering in the hospital. She also received a message from Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear offering condolences after the shooting.
"In times of tragedy, it is easy to feel isolated and overwhelmed by the weight of our emotions, but it is precisely in these moments that we must come together, lean on one another and find solace in our shared humanity," Aubuchon said in a speech. "Tonight, we can connect, support one another and begin that healing process."
The Florence Government Center is located at 8100 Ewing Blvd. Counseling services will be held in the community room.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Florence offers counseling Wednesday to mourners of mass shooting
