SALEM, Ore. - As the Bend community grieves following the tragic events at Silver Rail Elementary School, state and local partners are sharing resources to support students, families, educators, first responders and community members in the days ahead.

Oregon stands with the Bend community during this incredibly difficult time. As families process the tragedy, officials encourage people to seek support, spend time with loved ones and take advantage of community resources designed to provide connection, comfort and space to grieve.

Community Support and Healing Gathering

Deschutes County Health Services, St. Charles Health System and Bend-La Pine Schools are partnering to host a free, walk-in Community Support & Healing Gathering today, Friday, October 16.

The gathering will provide support, connection and crisis stabilization resources for students, families, school staff and community members.

Community Support & Healing Gathering

• When: Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, from 4 to 7 p.m.
• Where: Larkspur Community Center, 1600 SE Reed Market Road, Bend
• Cost: Free and open to students, families, staff and community members
• Format: Drop-in; no appointment required

Trained professionals and peers will be available to support community members, provide information about common responses to traumatic events, share practical coping strategies and help connect individuals and families with additional resources.

The event will incorporate Critical Incident Stress Management approaches, which provide short-term support following traumatic events. This support is not a replacement for psychotherapy or clinical counseling but can help people understand stress reactions, connect with others and identify healthy coping strategies.

Immediate Crisis and Family Support

Community members who need additional or immediate support can access the following resources:

• Deschutes County Stabilization Center: Open 24/7 at 63311 NE Jamison Street in Bend.
• Deschutes County Crisis Line: Call 541-322-7500, ext. 9 for immediate support.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrations' Disaster Distress Helpline provides confidential crisis counseling and support 24/7 Call or text: 1-800-985-5990. Spanish-language support is available by pressing 2.
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for free, confidential support 24 hours a day. Spanish-language support is available.
• The National Mass Violence Center created a Bend-specific resource guide with information and resources to help individuals and families following the tragedy.

Resources to Help Children

This tragic event has evoked a range of emotions and safety concerns across the United States. In response to such events, the National Child Traumatic Stress Network has developed resources to help children, families and communities navigate what they are seeing and hearing, acknowledge their feelings, and find ways to cope together.

These resources include:

• Parent Guidelines for Helping Youth After the Recent Shooting (En Español)
• Talking to Children about the Shooting
• Helping Youth After Community Trauma: Tips for Educators (En Español)
• Talking to Children: When Scary Things Happen (En Espanol)
• Creating Supportive Environments: When Scary Things Happen (En Español)
• For Teens: Coping After Mass Violence
• Helping School-Age Children with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers (En Español)
• Helping Young Children with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers (En Español)
• Helping Teens with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers (En Español)
• Guiding Adults in Talking to Children about Death and Attending Services
• After a Crisis: Helping Young Children Heal (En Español)
• Age-Related Reactions to a Traumatic Event (En Español; ASL)
• Once I Was Very Very Scared (En Español) - children's book for young children
• I Don't Know How to Address Worries About My Child's Safety at School (webinar)
• The Power of Parenting: Helping Your Child After a Family Homicide Loss

Oregon State Parks Waives Central Oregon Parking Fees

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is waiving parking fees at Central Oregon state parks beginning today and continuing through the weekend. This includes the following day use parks that typically charge fees for parking: LaPine State Park, Tumalo State Park, Prineville Reservoir State Park, Smith Rock State Park, Cline Falls State Scenic Viewpoint, and The Cove Palisades State Park.

The effort is intended to give community members additional opportunities to spend time outdoors, connect with family and friends, and find moments of calm during a difficult time.

Community organizations and local attractions are also working to provide supportive activities for families, including arts and crafts and other opportunities for families to spend time together. Some local attractions have announced free or waived admission for community members.

People respond to traumatic events in different ways. For some, spending quiet time outdoors or participating in familiar activities with family and friends can provide comfort. Others may benefit from talking with trained crisis professionals. Community members are encouraged to choose the support that feels appropriate for them and their families.

Help Support the Community

As Bend continues to grieve, community members can help by checking in with loved ones, supporting children with age-appropriate conversations, respecting the privacy of affected families and avoiding the spread of unverified information.

For the latest and most accurate official information about the incident and investigation, follow the Bend Police Department on social media, or check their press release page.

In addition, GoFundMe's Trust & Safety team states they are closely monitoring the platform and reviewing fundraisers related to this incident. A central hub of verified fundraisers has been launched for the Bend community and several fundraisers connected to this tragedy are currently under review. GoFundMe states that all funds related to this event will remain on hold until the verification process is complete.