Virginia Tech massacre survivor to speak

Virginia Tech massacre survivor to speak

02/14/2020 

Lisa Hamp, who has struggled since she survived the April 16, 2007, Virginia Tech mass shooting, will share how trauma survivors and individuals with mental health issues can cope and heal, on Wednesday, Feb. 19, at SUNY Cortland.

Hamp, who has dedicated her life since the ordeal to becoming a professional mental health speaker, will present “A Survivor’s Perspective on Trauma and Recovery” at 7 p.m. in Corey Union Exhibition Lounge.

Hosted by Health Promotions during “Body Appreciation Week 2020,” Feb. 17 to 21, the event is free and open to the public. Remaining events themed on “Sea Above the Waves” will be announced via email during the week.

Lisa_Hamp_WEB
Lisa Hamp

With 32 deaths and multiple injuries, the attack at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, in Blacksburg, Virginia, remains the deadliest school shooting in the history of the United States. At the time, it was the deadliest mass shooting by a single gunman in U.S. history.

In the aftermath of the Virginia Tech massacre, Hamp found herself to be unsure how to deal with her post-traumatic stress. She now realizes that she had internalized her feelings and developed an eating disorder to cope. Eight years after the shooting, Hamp sought counseling and began her recovery.

In her raw and powerful presentation, Hamp shares her struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder, an eating disorder, and infertility to help others who may be struggling with mental health issues.

Hamp is an advocate for trauma survivors and provides concrete advice on finding your new normal after trauma. She discusses the importance of self-care, the benefits of counseling and shares what individuals can do to help someone they know who is struggling with a mental health disorder.

She is passionate about reducing the stigma associated with mental health disorders. She shares a message of hope and courage to those who may be struggling, as well as family and friends who are in supporting roles. Her work has been featured in The Washington Post, Huffington Post, SELF Magazine and VICE.

Hamp has a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Virginia Tech, a master’s degree in operations research from George Mason University, and a master’s degree in economics from Johns Hopkins University. She lives with her husband and two daughters near Washington, D.C.

In addition to Health Promotion, the “Body Appreciation Week 2020” events also are sponsored by the SUNY Cortland Auxiliary Services Corporation, Campus Artist and Lecture Series, Counseling and Wellness Services, Delta Phi Epsilon.

For more information, contact Lauren Scagnelli in the Health Promotion office.


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