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University of Nebraska Medical Center

Register for BHECN/UNO events to help the community support children after school violence and other crises

Student cries near locker.

Helping students, teachers and others respond to and cope with tragic events like school violence will be the focus of a full day of events in Omaha on Thursday, Dec. 12.

The day’s events will be hosted by BHECN and the University of Nebraska Omaha Counseling Department with support from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. This will be the second in a series of events focused on coping with crises in schools. Registration for the first event, which will be held in Omaha on Nov. 13, is full.

The Dec.12 event will feature three sessions, all designed for different audiences, but aimed at helping attendees support students and cope following a school-related crisis.

“The unfortunate reality is students, teachers and others who work in and with our schools face the specter of violence and tragedy,” said Kati Cordts, PhD, Associate Director of Education and Training at BHECN. “This program is designed to help those who work in and alongside our schools learn strategies to help students and themselves should they encounter a school-related crisis at some point.”

All sessions are free and will be held in person at the Thompson Alumni Center on the UNO campus.

All three sessions will feature presentations from David Schonfeld, MD, FAAP, who established and directs the National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Dr. Schonfeld frequently speaks on the topics of crisis and loss and has authored more than 150 scholarly articles, book chapters and books. He also is Chair of the National Advisory Committee on Children and Disasters and a member of the Executive Committee of the American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Children and Disasters. He served as a Commissioner for both the National Commission on Children and Disasters and the Sandy Hook Advisory Commission.

IMPORTANT NOTE: ATTENDEES MUST REGISTER FOR EACH EVENT SEPARATELY. SPACE IS LIMITED.

First event is designed for school and health care professionals

The day will start with a program designed for school personnel and medical professionals including nurses, APPs, psychologists, social workers, clinical mental health therapists, licensed mental health providers, and school counselors.

The program, which will run from 8 a.m. to noon is titled “Supporting, Students, Staff, and Ourselves in the Aftermath of Crisis and Loss,” and will provide attendees with continuing education credits.

Breakfast will be provided.

Learn more about this session and register to attend here.

City and school leaders the focus audience for second event

A second session, titled “Leading During Times of Crisis: How to Support Children, Staff, and Ourselves,” is designed for school leaders and city officials.

It will be held from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

A coffee bar will be onsite, and snacks will be provided.

Register to attend here.

Third event designed for the parents, caregivers and community members

The final program of the day is for parents, caregivers, and community members interested in learning how to support their children following crises.

The session is titled “Talking to and Supporting Your Children in the Aftermath of Crisis or Loss: A Caregiver’s Guide” and will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Dinner and child-friendly activities will be provided. Event staff will be available to facilitate activities for youth 12 years and younger.

Register to attend here.