TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — A congressional aide who was shot in last month's attack in Arizona that killed six and left U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and 12 others wounded has announced a fund to promote mental health awareness and civility.
Ron Barber, Giffords' district director, said Wednesday that he wants to fund programs in schools and the community that will take some of the stigma away from mental illness.
Barber was shot in the leg and face in the Jan. 8 attack outside a Tucson supermarket. Investigators have said that 22-year-old Jared Loughner, who is accused in the rampage, was mentally disturbed and acting increasingly erratic in the weeks leading up to the shooting.
The Fund for Civility, Respect and Understanding was started with an undisclosed donation from the Barber family.
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