Veterans health program closes after 3 die in shooting tragedy

The Pathway Home program, located on the campus of the Veterans' Home of California in Yountville, is closing for good following a March 9 shooting that left three employees dead, according to The New York Times.

The residential program provides mental health services and wellness support for post-Sept. 11 veterans affected by deployment-related stress. It was suspended after the shooting and is now closed "indefinitely," according to the report.

"Veterans who have been in the program's care will be supported by mental health and other services in cooperation with the federal Veterans Administration and local Napa County and nonprofit providers," the Pathway Home said in a statement. "The future use of Madison Hall, the building that housed The Pathway Home, has not been determined. The building remains closed as the law enforcement investigation continues."

Program Executive Director Christine Loeber, 48, and staff psychologists Jennifer Gonzales Shushereba, 29, and Dr. Jennifer Gray Golick, 42, who were part of the program's core clinical team, lost their lives in the shooting. According to The New York Times, the three women were reportedly taken hostage by gunman Albert Wong, 36, a former member of Pathway Home, and killed. Local law enforcement said Mr. Wong, who also died, released other hostages during the March 9 incident, according to the report.

The Pathway Home said it "is examining a range of options to continue the important mission of The Pathway Home, helping the nation's post-Sept. 11 veterans with mental health services and wellness support in a network of local and national public and private partners."

Meanwhile, a #3BraveWomenFund fund has been established through The Pathway Home's website to support the families of the three women who lost their lives, victims and survivors, and other mental health services for military veterans. 

 

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