RESOLUTION NO. 240215
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Sponsor: Councilmember Melissa Patterson-Hazley
RESOLUTION - Recognizing the mental health and traumatic impacts of events such as mass shootings; promoting the use of mental health resources for City employees and City Council staff, such as the Employee Assistance Program; encouraging employers, organizations and local schools to promote mental health resources; and encouraging every resident to monitor their own mental health and that of their loved ones.
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WHEREAS, the Kansas City Chiefs won Super Bowl LVIII; and
WHEREAS, on February 14, 2024, an estimated 1 million people attended a celebratory parade and rally to celebrate the victory; and
WHEREAS, numerous residents and visitors alike had their joy disrupted and experienced a violent and traumatic event during a mass shooting that occurred at the end of the rally presentation; and
WHEREAS, fear of mass shootings has left a large majority of Americans feeling stressed; and
WHEREAS, experts state that the frequency of mass shootings, amplified by media coverage of such events, amounts to levels of exposure that is harmful to mental health, even for those who were not in attendance; and
WHEREAS, studies have documented increases in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depression, anxiety disorders, substance use disorder, and other conditions among people who have survived a mass shooting; and
WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes the importance of mental health and mental health assistance, especially after recent events; and
WHEREAS, mass shooting survivors now include an unknown number of City employees, members of the City Council and their families, as well as countless residents; and
WHEREAS, mental health issues can have a negative effect on all aspects of one’s life, including work, study, relationships, responsibilities and even one’s physical health; and
WHEREAS, the City of Kansas City has already demonstrated its commitment to the mental health needs of its employees and councilmembers through insurance coverage and through participation in other programs, such as the Employee Assistance Program; and
WHEREAS, the City Council encourages companies, organizations and local schools to promote mental health resources during this difficult time; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:
Section 1. That the City Council recognizes the mental health and traumatic impacts of events such as mass shootings that occurred on February 14, 2024.
Section 2. That the City Council promotes the use of mental health resources, such as the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), by City employees and councilmembers.
Section 3. That the City Council encourages employers throughout the KC metro area to promote mental health resources and offer paid time off for employees to access mental health services.
Section 4. That the City Council encourages local schools and other youth-serving organizations to promote mental health resources to youth and their families.
Section 5. That the City Council encourages every resident to monitor their own mental health and that of their loved ones during this time of loss and recovery.
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