BEND, Ore. -- As part of its ongoing efforts to support community members affected by the tragedy at Silver Rail Elementary, Deschutes County Health Services will transition from holding community-based crisis response events to offering free individual support sessions.

For the past week, crisis teams have led Critical Incident Stress Management, or CISM, sessions for thousands of people across the community. Research shows that CISM services lose effectiveness as time passes after a traumatic event. Making a shift to longer-term care is an important next step.

From Thursday, Oct. 22, through Sunday, Oct. 25, Deschutes County Behavioral Health staff will offer free individual support services at the Deschutes County Stabilization Center, which is located at 63311 NE Jamison St. in Bend.

Community members can access the following support from 11a.m. to 5 p.m. each day:

• Personalized, One-on-one support: A safe space to process the emotional impact of the incident with trained professionals.

• Resource navigation: Direct connections to community-based resources.

• Ongoing access to care: Help connecting with voluntary, long-term therapy and counseling, if needed.

"Our community has shown incredible resilience over this past week, and our initial response helped thousands of residents get through the first few days after this tragedy," said Behavioral Health Director Shannon Brister-Raugust.

"As we move into this next phase, our focus is on giving people stable, individualized support as they heal. Moving services to the Stabilization Center helps us provide the care and practical support our community needs to recover over the coming weeks and months."

Immediate 24/7 Crisis Resources:

The Stabilization Center remains open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for walk-in crisis support for anyone experiencing severe emotional distress.

If you or someone you know needs immediate assistance, please call the local crisis line at 541-322-7500 or dial 988.