By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
A Hays High School teacher died unexpectedly of natural causes on Thursday and the school district is offering grief resources to students.
Lora Gallegos-Haynes, 63, a Spanish teacher, died from complications of a heart attack on Thursday, according to a letter released by HHS principal Shawn Henderson.
School and community counselors will be available from 1 to 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 23 to assist students. Further resources will be available when school resumes on Jan. 4.
Resources also are available on the HHS website, including a list of community mental health providers and a handout on grief.
The Ellis County Health Department also posted the following mental health information on its Facebook page.
In this challenging time, we send up prayers for Lora's family. Know that assistance is available. To reach counselors around-the-clock, dial 9-8-8 from any phone or send an SMS to this number. Grief is a journey that is unique to each person and unlike anything else. If you need someone to talk to over this holiday season, PLEASE reach out. There is help. Know that every person is valued, and appreciated, even if you feel different. If we can be of assistance, please call us here.
High Plains Mental Health has a hotline (24/7) as well for Northwest Kansas: 1-800-432-0333.
A GoFundMe account has been established to help Gallegos-Haynes' family pay for medical and funeral expenses.
The Haynes family posted on the site:
Lora has been a strong beacon of hope, knowledge, generosity and love in her community.
She has been a beloved Spanish teacher at Hays High School, an active member and supporter of her church New Life Center, and an avid volunteer at the summer pool and many bingo nights. We all know Lora as everyone's grandma; not only does she have many grandkids in her family, but has essentially adopted all the grandkids in her community. Lora has been known for her incredible selflessness and she is giving one last amazing gift to others by donating her organs.
She is a beloved friend, wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, grandma and great-grandma.
Lora Gallegos-Haynes and her husband, Tom, were the original owners of Lomato's Pizza. The restaurant also posted a tribute to Lora on its Facebook page.
