I am writing to express my strong support for HB1711, the Mass Violence Care Fund. As a mental health professional who has deployed to five public mass shootings, I have witnessed firsthand the immense needs of those affected by these tragedies. I’ve seen their pain, trauma, and courage, and I’ve also seen the tremendous financial burdens they carry as they struggle to heal physically and emotionally. I believe the Mass Violence Care Fund will ensure survivors receive the assistance necessary for recovery by addressing the significant gaps in available resources. Survivors of mass violence experience challenges unlike those faced by other trauma survivors. Mass violence is a collective trauma, one that affects entire communities and significantly complicates the recovery process. One recent study found that approximately 25% of residents living in communities that had experienced mass violence within the past year met the criteria for PTSD compared to the 4.9% prevalence of PTSD in the general population in any given year. This broad-reaching impact on communities overwhelms resources, leaving many survivors feeling isolated and without the assistance they need—both in the immediate aftermath and throughout the later stages of recovery. This "ripple effect" also limits social support as those within survivors’ social networks may be unable to offer help due to their own grief and trauma responses. As a result, survivors of mass violence often endure ongoing depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, somatic complaints, cognitive difficulties, complicated grief, and PTSD. However, with the right resources in place, healing can create its own “ripple effect.” When those at the core of the trauma—survivors and their families—receive the support they need, their recovery can foster resilience and promote healing across the broader community. For this reason, I believe establishing the Mass Violence Care Fund is a critical step in building healthier communities that are better equipped to recover and move forward together. In closing, I would like to share a personal experience that captures the profound impact of mass violence on survivors and communities and illustrates the urgent need for this legislation. One moment that will stay with me forever is singing “Happy Birthday” at the memorial outside of Robb Elementary School in Uvalde for nine-year-old Eliahna ‘Ellie’ Garcia, who tragically lost her life in the school shooting. Alongside her family, friends, and community, we honored her memory on what would have been her special day, her tenth birthday, just days after the shooting. Moments like this are stark reminders that these are not incidents anyone can simply "get over." The trauma endured by those affected demands a lifetime of recovery and ongoing support to address the emotional, psychological, and physical challenges they face. Establishing the Mass Violence Care Fund will provide survivors with the critical resources necessary to navigate this challenging journey. I respectfully ask for your support of HB1711, as it is essential to providing the assistance survivors desperately need to begin to heal. Sincerely, Rebecca Cowan Rebecca G. Cowan, Ph.D., LPC, NCC College of Social and Behavioral Health, Walden University Department of Counseling and Human Services, Old Dominion University Anchor Counseling & Wellness, LLC

In 2023, Governor Youngkin agreed with us, following the Virginia Beach 5/31/19 massacre, and the shootings at UVA and Chesapeake-Walmart in 2022, that it was time to address long-term financial needs (that insurance does not cover) for those injured and traumatized. In September 2023, then the budget was passed, it included a $10million budget item to establish a Mass Violence Care Fund (MVCF) that would enhance provisions by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund. Using a unique and proactive and sustainable approach and formula, the $10 million will be "invested" by the Commonwealth's Treasury, in a non-reverting fund. The interest gained on the investment (similar to an endowment) will be made available to address the long-term financial needs for those impacted by Mass Violence Events (MVE's). The requirement of the $10million budget item was that the General Assembly pass guardrails around the investment. You now have before you HB 1711 which evolved from a study sponsored by DCJS and included multiple stakeholders during the summer of 2024. VTV Family Outreach Foundation (a Virginia based 501c3), was formed by the majority of the families and survivors in 2009 in the aftermath of the Virginia Tech shooting on April 16, 2007, where 32 were killed and 17 injured. The establishment of VTV was funded by the Virginia General Assembly to address campus safety as well as assisting others post mass violence events in the US. VTVCare, a program of VTV Family Outreach, specifically addresses the long-term financial needs of families and survivors of other mass violence events in the US. From our almost 18 years of life experience, we understand that financial burden should never be an obstacle to healing. So many impacted by mass violence events are impacted both physically and psychologically for the rest of their lives. If we cannot do a good job preventing mass shootings and mass violence events, which are almost unique to our country, then every state, including the Commonwealth of Virginia, should be prepared to address the long-term care needs of the victim-survivors. Financial burden should never be an obstacle to healing. Respectfully, Joseph Samaha Director of Victim Advocacy and Outreach VTVCare www.vtvcare.org 703-627-0933

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VTV Family Outreach Foundation (a Virginia based 501c3), was formed by the majority of the families and survivors in 2009 in the aftermath of the Virginia Tech shooting on April 16, 2007, where 32 were killed and 17 injured. The establishment of VTV was funded by the Virginia General Assembly to address campus safety as well as assisting others post mass violence events in the US. VTVCare, a program of VTV Family Outreach, specifically addresses the long-term financial needs of families and survivors of other mass violence events in the US. From our alomost 18 years of life experience, we understand that financial burden should never be an obstacle to healing. So many impacted by mass violence events are impacted both physically and psychologically for the rest of their lives. If we cannot do a good job preventing mass shootings and mass violence events, which are almost unique to our country, then every state, including the Commonwealth of Virginia, should be prepared to address the long-term care needs of the victim-survivors. In 2023, Governor Youngkin agreed with us, following the Virginia Beach 5/31/19 massacre, and the shootings at UVA and Chesapeake-Walmart in 2022, that it was time to address long-term financial needs (that insurance does not cover) for those injured and traumatized. In September 2023, then the budget was passed, it included a $10million budget item to establish a Mass Violence Care Fund (MVCF) that would enhance provisions by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund. Using a unique and proactive and sustainable approach and formula, the $10 million will be "invested" by the Commonwealth's Treasury, in a non-reverting fund. The interest gained on the investment (similar to an endowment) will be made available to address the long-term financial needs for those impacted by Mass Violence Events (MVE's). The requirement of the $10million budget item, was that the General Assembly pass guardrails around the investment. You now have before you HB 1711 which evolved from a study sponsored by DCJS and included multiple stakeholders during the summer of 2024. I am happy to address any questions that the Committe may have regarding HB 1711 and I thank you for your time. Financial burden should never be an obstacle to healing. Respectfully, Joseph Samaha Director of Victim Advocacy and Outreach VTVCare www.vtvcare.org 703-627-0933