County to offer mental health support for Brown's death

Aug. 13--CLAYTON -- St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley said Tuesday evening that there's "still a critical situation" in Ferguson and that starting Wednesday the county would provide crisis mental health counseling for students, families and the community impacted by the shooting of Michael Brown.

Speaking to the County Council and the public, Dooley also urged "calm" by all parties and asked the council and public to keep Brown's family "in our prayers."

"There's a lot of frustration and there's a lot of anger, and I understand that," said Dooley, who has visited with families and young people in Ferguson. "But this is still our community. People are watching us around the United States and around the world," he said.

Dooley emphasized the importance of a third party monitoring the investigation for "transparency." He said he had requested the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U. S. Department of Justice.

Mental health crisis counseling will be administered on Wednesday and Thursday by the county's Children Service Fund, which receives money from 1 1/4 cent sales tax approved by voters.

On Wednesday, mental health counseling services will be available at Greater St. Mark Family Church, 9950 Glen Owen Drive, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m.

On Thursday, people needing assistance should go to the Epworth CGM Building, 7520 Natural Bridge Road, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m.

County residents needing immediate mental health assistance may contact the St. Louis County Youth Connection Helpline at 314-628-2929. The Helpline is staffed by mental health professionals 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

After the meeting, in response to questions, Dooley said that releasing the name of the police office involved in the shooting was "the call of Ferguson police." Dooley added: "They've released the looters' names and pictures."

County Council Chair Hazel Erby, whose district includes Ferguson, said she was concerned that Ferguson was unfairly getting a bad name nationally from the publicity.

"They have a lot of wonderful assets," Erby said.

Margaret Gillerman is a reporter for the Post-Dispatch.

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