After the I-70 Tragedy: Processing Trauma and Caring for Mental Health

Friday, March 15, will be remembered in northwest Kansas as a day of devastation. A deadly dust storm near Edson led to a massive 71-vehicle pileup on Interstate 70, claiming eight lives and sending many more to area hospitals. In the wake of the tragedy, Jennifer Thompson of Goodland Regional Medical Center joined Rollie Halligan on the Good Neighbor Hour to speak not just about the physical toll—but the emotional one.

“This was a very traumatic event—not only for our first responders and hospital staff, but for the entire community,” Thompson said.

Goodland and Colby hospitals received multiple victims from the scene, and crews from Wallace County, Brewster, the Kansas Highway Patrol, sheriff’s departments, and local police all came together in the response. But while the teamwork was nothing short of heroic, the emotional weight of what happened remains heavy.

“We lost a student from Fort Hays Northwest Tech,” Thompson noted. “That’s incredibly difficult—not just for the school, but for the teachers, students, families, and our entire community.”

Even those not directly involved may feel the impact—shock, grief, anxiety, or a lingering sense of sadness. Thompson’s message was clear: don’t ignore those feelings.

“Whether you were directly involved or not, if you are feeling some of the aftermath, don’t internalize it. Reach out for help. Don’t isolate yourself,” she urged. “We all respond to trauma differently, and it’s important to take care of yourself emotionally, just as you would physically.”

She emphasized the importance of checking in on friends, family, coworkers, and especially those who served as first responders or medical staff.

“If someone you love was involved, just ask them: ‘How are you doing?’ Don’t let them brush it off. You know your people—trust your gut and ask again.”

Goodland Regional Medical Center has two behavioral health specialists available, and additional mental health services are available throughout the community.

“In times like this, it’s not weakness to ask for help—it’s strength,” Thompson said. “We’re a close-knit community, and that’s our greatest asset. We show up for each other. Now we just need to make sure we’re showing up emotionally, too.”

If you or someone you know is struggling in the wake of this tragedy, please reach out to a mental health provider or call Goodland Regional Medical Center for support. Healing takes time—but you don’t have to do it alone.