Written by Laura M. Tapia
The Riverside City College Student Health and Psychological Services has extended its support to students following a shooting in San Bernardino, where 14 individuals were killed and 21 were injured. One of the 14 victims killed was the wife of a RCCD police and safety officer.
Cynthia Fazio, the RCC Health Services supervisor, said in an email that the office, which is located in the Bradshaw building under the Bookstore, will be open for those seeking support.
“The recent events that have occurred in San Bernardino this week are extremely tragic and unfortunately close to our homes and hearts,” she said. “We realize that these events may have affected those on our campus personally, either through personal loss or heightened fear for personal safety.”
Fazio stated in the email that although some reactions may be usual to such events it is important to seek help when those emotions start getting in the way of everyday tasks.
“It is a normal response to tragedy to feel scared and anxious, even angry. However, if these feelings and emotions are interfering with daily routines, school or personal relationships our care providers can help,” she said.
Students can seek counseling and grief support from RCC Health Services Monday-Thursday 8 a.m-4:30 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m.-Noon until Christmas Eve. After the Winter break the Health Services will return for service and continued support on Monday, Jan. 4, 2016.
You can reach RCC Health Services at (951 )-222-8151.
Additional Resources:
24-hour Crisis Hotline: (951)-686-4357
Riverside Community Services: Dial 2-1-1
Catholic Charities: (909)-763-4970 or visit ccsbriv.org
For students living in San Bernardino County:
Community Hotline for crisis/grief counseling: (909)-801-5762
A similar email was sent to all RCC faculty and staff to assist their students in locating resource.
Grief counseling is also available to all District employees, according to Terri L. Hampton, the Riverside Community College District Vice Chancellor of Human Resources and Employee Relations.
“The offices of Human Resources and Employee Relations and Risk Management have collaborated to provide assistance to those employees who might wish to speak with a counselor in relation to the shooting in San Bernardino,” Hampton said in an email.
Grief counselors will be present at all three colleges as well as the District (TBA) office on Dec. 7.
Counselors will be at Moreno Valley (HM 234) and Norco (IT 218) from 1 p.m. -5 p.m. and at RCC (AD 109) from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
If employees are unable to attend or wish to obtain more personalized services, they may contact the Community Action Employee Assistance Program (CAEAP) directly by calling 1-800-777-9376 or online at http://www.CAEAP.com 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
