Penn State Shenango will host its 11th annual Stamp Out Stigma event on March 5, focusing on occupational trauma.

Michelle Kahl, a clinical trauma specialist and founder of Life Walk Counseling Services, will deliver the keynote address discussing traumas experienced by front-line professionals, such as nurses, EMTs, and law enforcement officers, as well as vicarious trauma in helping professions like therapy and social services.

“Many folks in helping professions are walking wounded and may not realize it,” said Tony Paglia, Penn State Shenango’s mental health counselor. “This can contribute to burnout in professions that are essential to the health and well-being of our communities.”

The event aims to define occupational trauma, raise awareness of its prevalence, identify warning signs, encourage help-seeking behavior, and acknowledge barriers to seeking assistance.

Paglia said the program is designed to benefit both Penn State Shenango students and area professionals, helping them recognize trauma symptoms and seek treatment.

The program, scheduled for 12:15 p.m. in the campus’ Forker Lab Forum, is free and open to the public. Registration is not required.