June 12th marks the first anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub terrorist attack, the worst mass shooting in modern United States history.  I have been asked to represent the Crisis Center this week for a variety of media outlets and talk about what the community is feeling a year later.  Overwhelmingly, feelings of anxiety, fear and depression seem to dominate the conversations.  On 10 News this morning, a Facebook Live participant asked me to help her deal with her anxiety about being in crowded places.  Others have asked questions about the best ways to scope out exit and escape strategies prior to attending an event or even going to the movies.  While our feelings of anxiety and fear are justifiable during these uncertain times, I want us to reflect on the Orlando community's response after the Pulse attack.  

One of the most striking memories for me immediately after Pulse was the coalescing of the Orlando and, particularly, the LGBTQ communities.  I vividly remember the memorials and candlelight vigils, but also the acts of compassion.  From donating blood to creating the Orlando Strong and One Orlando Fund, people came together like never before in an effort aimed at turning this massacre into something positive.  And on June 12th, Orlando city officials declared it a day of "love and kindness."  

At the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, we know June 12th will be an exceptionally busy one for our Gateway.  While we receive over 250 calls per day on average, we know that there will be an increase in 2-1-1 calls as our friends and neighbors work through their feelings of anxiety and fear.  Since our mission is that no one in our community should face a crisis alone, we stand at the ready in our Gateway and Corbett Trauma Center to offer help, hope and healing during this stressful time.  But just as Orlando did after the Pulse mass shooting, we have to work together as a community to combat our feelings of fear and anxiety.  I propose we do it through acts of compassion and gratitude.  For example, commit to helping a stranger in need, writing a post about gratitude on your Facebook page, or taking the time to learn more about violence prevention initiatives like our Ybor Green Dot program.  I know that activities like these will help to reduce feelings of fear and anxiety.

Finally, for all of those personally impacted by the Pulse attack, please know that our thoughts and hearts are with you during this difficult time.  Please reach out to us at any time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 2-1-1.  

Wishing you peace, compassion and gratitude,

Clara