Parents gather to learn more about mental illness
Updated: January 10, 2013
School safety has been on many minds since the Connecticut shooting.
Much of the talk has been on gun control but parents in Champaign are focused on another way to keep students safe. Focusing on mental health.
Since the shooting parents in Champaign have been calling the group Community Elements wondering if their child could have mental health problems.
Mental health was also the focus at Franklin Middle School where parents gathered to talk about what to look for all in hopes of avoiding tragedy.
Sheri Williamson and her daughter Gracen have a routine. Every Thursday after school they get ready for dance class.
However, nearly a month ago this scene made her want to stay inside and lock the doors.
"I have to admit I was one of those people who was scared that following monday to send her to school. Never felt that way before," says Williamson.
It's a feeling she says spread to parents all over Unit 4 schools. Williamson wondered how to stop it from happening here.
"It's sad and its scary when we have people out there that need help what do we do, do we have another issue like Sandyhook," says Williamson.
She used to work in the mental health field, so she organized a meeting with experts and the District's PTA Council.
Eight Community organizations answered parents' questions
"As a community we need to have a tool box. Know the resources the who to call," says Sheila Ferguson from Community Elements.People are starting to call. Since the Connecticut tragedy the phone at Community Elements has been ringing constantly.
They already treat 4500 people in Champaign.
"I think when you talk to some parents there is interst there they just really dont know where to go," says Williamson.
Williamson hopes giving parents that information early will help them protect what is most important before its too late.
"I know people feel safe here, I feel safe here I grew up here, but the randomness of all of these acts shows that it can happen anywhere," says Williamson.
R.A.C.E.S.
Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence
