Charlotte nonprofit offers support to grieving first responders

CHARLOTTE — It’s a somber and difficult Christmas Eve for many first responders in the Charlotte community.

The tragic death of officer Mia Goodwin in an accident Wednesday morning is still fresh.

When news of the tragedy first became known, psychologist and trauma expert Mary Gail O’Dea said her thoughts turned to the ripple effect of trauma that would be felt not only by Goodwin’s family and friends, but by the entire first responder community.

“Sometimes it’s not right away, it’s not right after something like this happens. It could be weeks or months even,” said O’Dea, the executive director of Presby Psych, a nonprofit mental health resource.

As the first responder community continues to grieve, O’Dea wants Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers and Charlotte firefighters to know Presby Psych is available to talk through the tragedy.

The nonprofit offers six free counseling sessions and additional discounts for first responders and resources for their partners and children.

“There’s going to be grief, anger, a sense of helplessness,” O’Dea said. “They aren’t a group of people that want to feel helpless.”

She hopes to see first responders refer one another to the services, especially if they are struggling to deal with the pain in a healthy way during the holiday.

“Be cautious with your drinking,” O’Dea advised. “If you notice you are withdrawing from your family or if someone mentions it to you in the family, those are things that are good symptoms if you will, maybe it will be a good idea to talk with someone.”

O’Dea said other women police officers, particularly mothers on the force, may be sensitive to the loss of Goodwin.

She said the best thing our community can do is show compassion to those who serve.

“Some people want folks to notice and be kind about their grief,” O’Dea said. “Other people are, you know, in that stage of ‘Ok...I don’t want to talk about it.’”

If you’re a CMPD officer or Charlotte firefighter who is looking for counseling, you can make an appointment with Presby Psych by calling 704-554-9900.

Presby Psych is not contracted with CMPD or CFD, so everything you say is confidential and won’t go back to your department.

(WATCH BELOW: Nonprofit raising money to give counseling, mental health resources to first responders)

Nonprofit raising money to give counseling, mental health resources to first responders

©2021 Cox Media Group