CHESAPEAKE, Va. — Wednesday will mark the one year anniversary since the deadly Chesapeake Walmart shooting. In a show of solidarity, community leaders from across Hampton Roads came together to discuss the need for more mental and behavioral health.
"How are we all coming together and addressing violence, mental health, opioid abuse? How are we moving the needle forward in the right direction?" said Mary Bibbs, organizer of the event. "We know that last year's incident, that mass shooting, can happen anywhere at any time."
Six people lost their lives during the mass shooting that happened at a Walmart off Sam's Circle. This includes Brian Pendleton, Kellie Pyle, Lorenzo Gamble, Randy Blevins, Tyneka Johnson, and Fernando Chavez-Barron.
A representative of Sentara Health presented a $15,000 check to the impacted families to help them during this difficult time. It will be divided equally between all of the families.
Those in attendance said they believe it is an appropriate measure, but say they want more done to support families in the long-run.
"The faster that mental health and spiritual health care providers respond to an incident, it promotes post incident resiliency and healing," said Reverend Deb Wacker.
Walmart executives did not attend the lunch but released part of the following statement saying: "There is not a day that goes by that we don't think and remember the six individuals who lost their lives. This is a tough week for our associates and we are doing everything we can to support them."
The Sams Circle Walmart will close at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22 to give associates time to reflect and grieve. The store will reopen at 6 a.m. Black Friday.