Extend VOCA Funds for the MSD Community

The mission of PU4P is non political however today we make an exception. As first responders, grief and trauma experts, we invite you to review the following petition to add your signature in support of the healing journey in the Parkland community.

Dear Representatives,

We are the grief and trauma local experts working side-by-side towards healing by providing mental health treatment in the Parkland community. We implore you to extend the one year VOCA benefits for the survivors of the Marjorie Stoneman Douglas shooting in order to continue receiving professional mental health grief and trauma treatment. Many victims suffering from trauma have only recently recognized their need for treatment and have come forward seeking services and many are in the middle of their current trauma treatment. According to trauma experts from around the country who have consulted with our local experts, we can expect many more to come forward this next year as they suffer from ongoing PTSD symptoms of hyperarousal and emotional dysregulation.

The one year anniversary exacerbates the effect of communal trauma along with the daily news reports and the upcoming legal case. The communal healing from a communal tragedy differs in trajectory from a singular violent crime against an individual. for this reason, the VOCA regulations should be adjusted to accommodate the original purpose of the fund.

PU4P Licensed Professionals have donated hundreds of pro bono and reduced rate hours providing evidenced based grief and trauma treatment to the members of the Parkland community including students, family members, teachers, school staff and first responders. Please help us to continue providing much needed relief to the victims and survivors of this terrible tragedy. Florida has frequently been on the cutting edge in providing evidence based mental health services to our citizens. Let’s make Florida a model state! The signatures below represent our pride, as Trauma and Grief Licensed Mental Health specialists, in teaming with our State to provide professional healing service delivery in the ongoing aftermath of the tragedy in Parkland.