Fleet and Family Service Center Provides Support After NAS Pensacola Shooting

December 10, 2019

NAS  Pensacola’s Fleet and Family Service Center (FFSC) is doing its part to support those in need after the  active shooter incident that resulted in the death of three sailors.

While FFSC offers services such as classes and education on a variety of topic areas, their counseling services for service members, their families and base residents who have been affected by these recent events have come to the forefront.

An Emergency Family Assistance Center (EFAC) has been established within the FFSC and will remain available for as long as needed.

“Our EFAC is here to provide counseling services for those impacted by the recent tragic event,” said Kathleen Doherty, Ph.D., Fleet and Family Support Center director. “We want all the service members and families affected to know that counselors, advocates, and other crisis responders are here to listen and provide guidance as needed.”

When a traumatic event of this nature occurs, FFSC steps in for DoD-specific personnel needs.

“Our focus right now is recovery for everyone involved,” said Doherty. “FFSC counselors, chaplains and professionals from Naval Hospital Pensacola’s Mental health department are working together to ensure that everyone has access to services in order to protect their overall mental well-being.”

Items such as the Mini-Stress Survival Kit, a pamphlet discussing the Operation Stress Control continuum, and other materials are provided for those who choose to simply read and become more aware of what reactions are normal and which are not. For those who prefer to process their emotions verbally, counselors are available for consultation and guidance. FFSC is also in the process of providing get-well cards for those currently in the hospital recovering from injuries.

“We recognize that our active duty and their family members are strong and resilient people, but a shooting is a very rare and tragic event,” said Doherty. “It’s normal for some to react strongly and to have difficulty incorporating this experience into their daily lives. Our goal is to make sure that anyone who wants help processing their reactions can get it in a way that is comfortable and effective for them.”

The EFAC includes representatives from the American Red Cross, FBI Victim Services, the Navy Wounded Warrior Program, and other agencies who have resources for non-DOD beneficiaries.

Additionally, The Navy Surgeon General dispatched a special psychiatric rapid intervention team (SPRINT) from Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Virginia to provide counseling support.

For counseling, support and information for those affected by the active shooter incident, contact the FFSC at 850-452-5990.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News