New Program Created To Help Minority Communities After Police Shootings

"I can’t breathe" were the last words of George Floyd and many other Black men who died at the hands of police officers.

It became rallying cry at Black Lives Matter protests, and now, a local counseling agency has taken that statement and created a program to give healing for those words.

COPE is a locally-owned nonprofit with a mission to provide prevention education and treatment services.

However, when owner Dr. Willie Haskins heard the statement, “I can’t breathe,” he realized there are a lot of things causing people to not be able to breathe.

"It’s to address trauma, PTSD, and stress as a result of racism in the community," he said.

This is a free virtual class every 10 a.m. on Thursday. It is to help anyone that can’t breathe due to depression, unemployment, racism, killings, or discrimination, and it is open to anyone.

"The program is designed for men, women, and children, minorities who have experienced or believe they have been discriminated against that has caused them to be traumatized or suffer from stress as a result of the acts they believe has occurred," Haskins said.

The class is an open discussion, but you must sign up to participate.

If it is determined one-on-one help is necessary, that will be arranged for a later time.

Call COPE to sign up at 405-528-8686.