With Lexington losing six teenagers to gun violence since late April, city leaders are pleading with community members to guide at-risk youth to support services.
In a press conference Thursday, city officials stopped short of blaming the violence directly on pandemic lockdowns, but Mayor Linda Gorton said the uptick is being seen across the country. She said COVID-19 restrictions and cancellations are creating barriers.
"At every turn, our young people are cut off from the people who might normally help them," she told reporters.
Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers said he's hearing from teens who lack direction and don't believe they have a future.
"They are struggling and they are hurting," he said. "We need to honor them by listening."
And guiding them toward people and resources that can help, he said. Several agencies are offering victims support services, including the police department and the county sheriff's office. The city is also pointing to free or affordable mental health services. That list can be found below.
- New Vista Community Mental Health Center
- 24-hour Mental Health Helpline: 1-800-928-8000 (telehealth available)
- For resources and referral sources: www.newvista.org.
- Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741 to connect to a trained crisis counselor
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
- University of Kentucky Students, The UK Counseling Center: 859-257-8701
- Fayette County Public Schools District Mental Health Professionals, School Social Workers, School Counselors, Child Guidance Specialists, and School Psychologists are available to provide direct services related to academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs for students. Access services by submitting an electronic help request or calling your child’s school. More information about FCPS Mental Health Services can be found here. For self-care resources: https://sites.google.com/fayette.kyschools.us/fcps-virtual-resilience/home.