Sep. 2-POTTSTOWN - When a twin home exploded in the 400 block of Hale Street on May 26, not all of the victims were immediately obvious to the naked eye.
There were, of course, those killed: Francine White, 67; Alana Wood, 13; Jeremiah White, 12; Nehemiah White, 10, and Tristan White, 8. As well as other family members, Eugene White, 44, and Kristina Matuzsan, 32, who were injured.
Also obvious to the naked eye was the physical damage to buildings, with many nearby homes no longer inhabitable.
But there is also an invisible injury to those who lived through, or were impacted by the explosion, the loss of life, the loss of home and the loss of a sense of security. That injury is trauma.
Trauma manifests in many different ways; unusual behavior, emotional distress, panic attacks and even physical symptoms.
All of which is why the Pottstown NAACP has partnered with Creative Health Services, Access Services Mobile Crisis Team and the Montgomery County Office of Mental Health for a Group Crisis Intervention event on Thursday, Sept. 8 at the Pottstown YMCA, 724 N. Adams St.
It is a night of support, community and connection aimed specifically at community members, neighbors, friends and families affected by the blast and its aftermath.
The event begins at 6 p.m. but the doors will close then and no admission will be allowed after that, so arrive well before 6 p.m.
Advance registration can be made online at: https://jotform.com/222343673939060
The Keystone Crisis Intervention Team will assist those affected to begin to process the confusion and feelings of being overwhelmed that often occur after a traumatic event. A group will be led by a facilitator through a series of questions aimed at helping participants sort through their experience of the event, their reactions and what they continue to hold as a result of the traumatic incident.
Normalization and validation of the group's reactions to the event are given along with education about why and how your body is using a natural response to ensure protection against a perceived threat. The process will assist in restoring connection and the feeling that those affected are not alone in their shock and reactions.
This is not therapy, but a one-time intervention.
Those participating can expect confidentiality, non-judgmental support, education about common reactions after trauma from experienced experts in traumatic events.
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