In a recent virtual meeting focused on gun violence in Prince George's County, officials emphasized the urgent need for increased access to mental health services for youth and families affected by violence. The discussion highlighted the challenges families face in finding affordable mental health support, particularly for those who have lost loved ones to gun violence.

Participants noted that while there are some resources available, such as Hazel Health, which offers free mental health services through schools, many families struggle to access ongoing care. One council member expressed frustration over the limited availability of free or low-cost therapy, stating, "Families just want someone to talk to... if I can't find it, I know that it's hard for residents to find it."

The conversation underscored the importance of creating a robust system to ensure that young people do not fall through the cracks and receive the necessary support. There was a consensus that mental health services must be more accessible, especially for gun violence survivors, as existing insurance often does not cover adequate mental health care.

Additionally, the meeting revisited a previously successful program, Survivors of Homicide, which provided group support for families affected by homicide. Participants expressed a desire to revive such initiatives to foster community healing and support.

As the meeting concluded, officials committed to exploring existing resources and potential new programs to enhance mental health support for those impacted by gun violence, recognizing that addressing these needs is crucial for community resilience and recovery.