Two children were tragically killed in a school shooting in Minnesota.
This tragedy has prompted more renewed conversations on gun laws as this marks the 44th school shooting in the U.S. this year.
There is also the psychological aftermath of a school shooting. This can linger for years. Studies show that survivors and their families face higher risks of PTSD, anxiety, depression, and academic decline. Parents live with constant fear about sending their children back to school.
The George Washington University has experts available who can discuss:
- What is being done to prevent gun violence in schools.
- How this tragedy highlights gaps in existing gun safety laws.
- How exposure to gun violence in schools affects the long-term mental health of children and adolescents.
- The emotional burden teachers carry as both protectors and survivors.
- What resources parents need to cope with the fear of recurrence.
Elizabeth Choma, clinical assistant professor at the GW School of Nursing, is a pediatric nurse practitioner whose work focuses on gun violence and firearm safety education in families.
Lorenzo Norris, is an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and chief wellness officer at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Amir Afkhami, an expert in psychiatry, holds a joint appointment at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences and the Milken Institute School of Public Health.
If you would like to schedule an interview, please contact Katelyn Deckelbaum, katelyn [dot] deckelbaum
gwu [dot] edu (katelyn[dot]deckelbaum[at]gwu[dot]edu).
-GW-