3 Resources to Help Grieving Columbia Community Heal

One week after a 19-year-old gunned down two employees at The Mall in Columbia and shot himself, there are a few ways area organizations are reaching out to the community.

• Free ear acupuncture: Licensed acupuncturists are offering complimentary ear acupuncture, as the Chinese healing practice can help alleviate stress and reduce anxiety. People younger than 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian or parent. Acupuncture will be offered from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Wisdom Well (8955 Guilford Rd., Suite 240) in Columbia.
• Animal therapy: Laurel-based nonprofit Fidos for Freedom, which trains service animals, said it will offer "comfort with our wonderful therapy dogs to all of the people who had to deal with the horrible shootings that occurred last Saturday at The Mall in Columbia." The public is welcome to visit for animal therapy from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday at Fidos for Freedom (1200 Sandy Spring Road) in Laurel.
• Mental health hotline: Magellan Health has created a hotline for those having trouble coping with the Columbia mall tragedy. "We have trained professionals standing by to counsel anyone who was directly, or indirectly, affected by this incident and needs help coping," Magellan CEO Barry Smith said. The toll-free number is 1-800-327-7451. It's available 24 hours a day, and callers do not need to be members of Magellan Health to access the hotline, which is designed to help people deal with fear, sadness, anger and hopelessness that can occur following violent incidents.