Following the tragic loss of Dr. Bernadine “Birdie” Pruessner and her four children, Lewis and Clark Community College (LC) is committed to providing essential mental health resources to its students and team members. LC recognizes the profound impact this event has had on the community.
In an email statement, Dr. Ken Trzaska, President of Lewis and Clark Community College, expressed the college’s commitment to its students and campus team during this difficult time.
“We know this news is difficult to process and we are struggling to make sense of this tragedy. While we seek answers, we may never find clarity or understanding. As we navigate this news, our focus is on our students and campus team,” said Trzaska.
Trzaska emphasized that students in need of support can contact Dean of Students Dr. Sean Hill at shill@lc.edu or (618) 468-6000, or Counseling Case Coordinator Brooke Frank at bfrank@lc.edu or (618) 468-4130.
Students can also access free online counseling through our BetterMynd platform. To register and get started with a counselor, sign-up here or learn more at www.lc.edu/counseling. Use your LC email address.
BetterMynd also has a Mental Health Crisis Hotline, which is available 24/7/365. The Crisis Hotline Number is 844-BTR-MYND (844-287-6963). You can call at any time of the day, night, or weekend, year-round, to receive immediate support.
Team members can access free, confidential counseling through the college’s Mercy EAP (Employee Assistance Program). Help is available at (800) 413-8008 (push 2) 24/7, 365 days per year.
Additionally, grief counselors were made available for students and team members in Caldwell Hall 2320 and Commons 231, according to Dr. Trzaska.
For a detailed list of resources, please visit https://www.lc.edu/student-services/health-services/counseling-services.html on the LC website.
