Coping with Community Tragedy - Workplace Violence 

Successful Practice Showcase Webinar Series 

A tragedy occurred in our community on the morning of Thursday, October 8, 2009. Salina, Kansas suffered a double-homicide at the workplace. This violent act created fear and a feeling of vulnerability for many. In the days and weeks to follow, the Salina Police Department received numerous phone calls and inquiries about workplace violence and what should be done or could be done to prevent and prepare. After assessing the needs of its members, Salina Human Resource Management Assn. (SHRMA) adopted education on workplace violence as a major initiative for 2010. SHRMA collaborated with the Salina Police Dept., the City of Salina, and the Kansas Highway Patrol to provide an educational seminar free for attendees. In addition to the live seminar, SHRMA underwrote the production expenses for a DVD. Proceeds from the sell of this low-cost training tool will be used for a future SHRMA community initiative. The seminar will be aired numerous times on the local public access television station to reach as many people as possible in efforts to continue with Salina's "Coping with Community Tragedy".

The Salina Human Resource Management Association won a 2010 Pinnacle Award for this initiative.