On February 14, 2018, a gunman entered Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL, killing 14 students and three staff members and injuring countless others. In the years since this tragedy, survivors and the families of the slain have become active public policy advocates. 

Vibrant Emotional Health (Vibrant)'s Public Policy & Government Affairs (PPGA) Department was invited by Safe Schools for Alex, an organization founded by the family of Parkland victim Alex Schachter, to tour the building and participate in a discussion following the tour. As the building was secured for the criminal trial of the gunman, everything was exactly how it was on that fateful day in February, from homework assignments on the chalkboard to the glass on the floor. The building has since been demolished. 

Max Schacter, Alex's father, facilitated a discussion on how to keep schools safe. These include ensuring access to mental health supports, improving communication between schools and public safety, and reporting safety incidents. The Vibrant PPGA Department appreciates the opportunity to participate and honors those impacted by this tragedy.