Local Resource Helps Kansas City First Responders Cope after Mass Tragedy Events

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Feb. 16, 2024 - PRLog -- What was meant to be a day of celebration at the Kansas City Chiefs Superbowl parade and rally ended in tragedy for many Kansas Citians. In addition to the fans in attendance and those watching the events from around the nation, more than 1,000 police officers, EMT's, doctors, nurses, and hospital staff were caught up trying to manage and control a traumatic, destructive, and emotional event – something they unfortunately must do way too often as part of their heroic professions.

As these first responders and front-line medical professionals attempt to manage their own anxieties, anger, and even guilt in the aftermath of this and other similar events – there are confidential, free resources available to them to help manage their feelings and talk with persons who specialize in traumatic therapy. Many of these specialists also work closely with military veterans and the on-going mental health issues these warriors face.

Local non-profit The Battle Within offers free therapy sessions by trauma-informed therapists for first responders, police officers, nurses, veterans, and others. These services are confidential, include counseling for those affected by PTSD and/or trauma stemming from their professions and service, and have helped hundreds embark on or sustain their path toward mental health well-being.

"Just as the general public needs to find their best individual way to cope with yesterday's tragic events, so too must the first responders and front-line medical professionals who were part of or saw first-hand the unimaginable scenes of carnage and destruction that unfolded outside Union Station," stated Justin Hoover, Executive Director of Kansas City-based The Battle Within. "We encourage everyone impacted to tend to their needs – be it reaching out to their therapist, community mental health organizations, spiritual leaders, etc. For our police, fire, EMTs, nurses, and others, we encourage them to utilize the Frontline Therapy Network, accessing the mental health resources they might need today, tomorrow, or in the future. For anyone currently in crisis, please contact 988 to get help immediately."

Kansas City area mental health resources available include, among others: University Health Kansas City Walk-In Clinic, 300 West 19^th Terrace, Kansas City, MO; Swope Behavioral Health at (888) 279-8188; Comprehensive Mental Health Services, 17844 E. 23^rd St. Independence, MO; and Rediscover Behavioral Health Urgent Care at (816) 988-2739. For immediate help, individuals can also call, text, or chat with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

About The Battle Within
The Battle Within (TBW) mission is to break down barriers and provide our nation's and our community's Warriors the mental and behavioral health support they deserve. TBW serves first responders, frontline medical personnel, and veterans who suffer from PTSD and other traumas related to their service. These individuals have been or are continually subjected to painful and emotional experiences due to their service to the nation and community. For more information call the Frontline Therapy Network at 913.359.6100