Rite Aid Officials: Grief Counselors Will Be Available As Long As Needed

Officials with Rite Aid noted that grief counselors are being made available following a shooting this morning at the Liberty support facility, which is part of Rite Aid’s Perryman Distribution Center in Aberdeen, Md.

"Local authorities have confirmed that there are multiple fatalities and casualties," Rite Aid officials wrote on their Facebook page. CNN, citing unnamed sources, reported that a woman killed 3 people at the center before shooting herself.

"We are continuing to work closely with authorities as they conduct their investigation. The facility has been closed, and we are assessing when it will be reopened," the social media post from Rite Aid explained. The post continued that grief counselors will be made available to associates and "will remain available as long as they are needed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those involved in this tragic incident, as well as their loved ones."

The social media post emphasized the availability of grief counseling for employees. In addition, pharmacists’ frequent contact with patients may prove useful in detecting and addressing grief after tragic incidents.

For example, pharmacists can play a role in preventing potential suicide attempts, which some patients with complicated grief idealize. And, given that poisoning is one of the most common methods of suicide, pharmacists can play a role in preventing patients from obtaining the means to overdose on prescription medications.

To learn more about grief, visit this page.