A Day of Healing & an Evening of Commemoration for the Victims of Route 91

Tuesday, Oct 1, 2019, Two years after the mass shooting at the Route 91 Festival has changed our city forever, the impact of this horrific event continues to ripple through our community. The evening was filled with emotions as the Make the Road NV offices began to get filled with survivors, their families and community members gathered for a vigil in honor of the victims of the tragedy. Survivors spoke about their experience and their recovery, reverends came and shared thoughtful words, and mental health professionals from Silver State Health Services spoke on the work that has been done to aid in the recovery of the survivors. In addition to the vigil, survivors were treated to a day of healing with relaxing and restorative activities. 

During the day, a group of survivors filled our office which was converted into a healing space, with low lighting, calming music, and soothing scents. There were opportunities for the survivors to speak with counselors and professionals from Silver State Health Services. Along with counseling, messages, energy crystal healing treatment, guided breathing and restorative yoga were offered as more opportunities to heal. It was important for us to offer a safe space for the group of undocumented survivors that don’t get the chance or lack the resources to perform healing activities in their daily lives. Especially, because for some of the survivors the date resurfaces a lot of the trauma that was endured and has been repressed. Bryan, one of the younger survivors that was working the event the night of the massacre, mentioned that he continues to struggle with large crowds. 

Make the Road Nevada and Silver State Health Services, formerly Bilingual Behavioral Services (BBS) were some of the only organizations to provide support for the undocumented workers at the festival. The undocumented workers were not being provided health services or included as an affected group. After two years and several actions outside of the Sheriff’s office, many of the undocumented survivors are well in the process of receiving their U-Visas. Although there is a silver lining to shooting, we can’t forget the victims and the trauma that was caused. 

We would like to thank Planet Protein, Viva Las Arepas, Silver State Health Services, Kenevision, Shalom Rasa, Natalie Jasper, Laura Arteaga, Monika Misklewicz, Rasa Jordan, Kate Lynn Davenport, Perla Sanchez, Jennifer Carillo, Margarita Romano, Adam Berger, Ruth Carillo, and Penny James for helping make such a painful day for the survivors into a day to heal. If you would like to get involved or get more information on services for survivors, contact us at info@maketheroadnv.org or join us at our weekly meetings on Wednesdays at 6 pm at 4250 E. Bonanza Rd, Las Vegas NV 89110.