People hug after Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump was helped off the stage after a shooting at a campaign event in Butler, Pa., Saturday, July 13, 2024.

People around Butler County and Western Pennsylvania may be feeling more anxious following the shooting at the rally of former President Donald Trump Saturday, July 13, even if they weren’t in attendance.

Donna Lamison, executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness Butler County, said Sunday people may worry a traumatic event such as a shooting could occur again, making a person feel more anxious. While the effects may not be physical, they can take a mental toll on a person.

“It just gives people a feeling of anxiety, a feeling of not being safe. It just impacts people in so many ways,” Lamison said. “Being in a crisis situation and all the emotions that go along with that are sure to come up, and people are going to deal with that differently.”

The mental health crisis phone number is 1-800-292-3866, and people also can call 988 to connect immediately with a person.

Katie Doerr, senior director of programs for the Center for Community Resources, said although a public shooting is a rare event, the local staff who answers calls to 988 go through extensive training to help anyone in any situation. She said people who feel uneasy or anxious about public life can call the number to talk about their feelings with another person.

Kate Doerr is senior director of programs for the Center for Community Resources. Butler Eagle file photo

“Our staff trains for 160 hours regardless of the event or crisis. We train them for every type of situation that could come across the line,” Doerr said. “They have extensive training, extensive backgrounds from previous experiences or educational things to be a crisis intervention specialist.”

Lamison said numerous resources are available for mental health aid in Butler County, and some of those agencies may see more demand for help after Saturday’s attempted assassination of Donald Trump during a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show grounds. In addition to NAMI’s support groups, the agency also helps connect people with resources close to them.

Despite a possible increase in need for mental health services, Lamison said people should not hesitate to reach out to a department for help — especially if they are in crisis.

“If you're bothered by this, please call 988,” Lamison said. “If it's beyond that point, please call the crisis line in Butler County. If you feel like you need support, NAMI is available with family support groups.”

Doerr said the 988 number is staffed 24/7 and available for anyone who needs help with anything.

“We are willing and able to talk with anyone who needs help and support,” she said.