Reflections From ‘Death by Numbers’ Screening and Dialogue
By Haley Dyer, Marketing and Communications MAC Specialist
One Saturday afternoon in late April at the Lincoln Center Auditorium in Billings brought more than a documentary to the screen; it brought people willing to listen, reflect, and engage in a difficult but necessary conversation.
Community members gathered for a special screening of Death by Numbers, a short documentary featuring school shooting survivor Sam Fuentes, presented through a partnership between Intermountain Health St. Vincent Regional Hospital and Billings Public Schools. The free event centered on trauma prevention and the role each of us plays in keeping our communities safe.
“These conversations are not easy conversations, but these difficult conversations have to happen,” shared Dr. Erwin Garcia, superintendent of Billings Public Schools. ”This is a community issue."
Following the screening, Fuentes joined the audience for an in‑person Q&A, sharing insights from her experience as a survivor and the long, complex process of healing. Her reflections resonated deeply, sparking thoughtful questions from the audience.
“This event was about creating space for thoughtful conversation and bringing together different parts of our community around shared responsibility for safety and well‑being, and speaking up if you have concerns.”
The moderated community conversation that followed brought together voices from across the community, each offering a perspective shaped by their work with students, families, and public safety. Panelists included Joe Halligan, Safety and Emergency Management Coordinator for Billings Public Schools; Shannon Toney, a Billings Public Schools middle school counselor; Officer Tim Doll, Billings Police Department and Billings Public Schools resource officer; and Captain Kent O’Donnell of the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office. They were joined by Dr. Barry McKenzie, Trauma Medical Director at St. Vincent Regional Hospital; Megan Gibson, Behavioral Health Coalition Coordinator with RiverStone Health; and Hallie Bishop, Deputy Chief County Attorney for Yellowstone County.
“This event was about creating space for thoughtful conversation and bringing together different parts of our community around shared responsibility for safety and well‑being, and speaking up if you have concerns,” said Barry McKenzie, MD, trauma medical director at St. Vincent. “By listening, learning, and engaging across sectors, we can better support students, families, and our broader community. I’m proud of the work our community is doing to support at-risk and troubled youth with the resources available, and grateful for the meaningful engagement from everyone who joined the panel discussion.”
The discussion reinforced an important truth: prevention is not owned by any one system. It takes partnership among healthcare, schools, law enforcement, families, and community organizations all moving in the same direction, sharing information appropriately, and building trust long before an emergency occurs.
As the conversation made clear, safety is built in the moments before a crisis – when someone notices a change, a warning sign, or a situation that doesn’t feel right and chooses to speak up. A “see something, say something” mindset isn’t about suspicion; it’s about care, connection, and getting support to the right place early. When we trust our instincts and share concerns through the appropriate channels, we strengthen the network of adults and systems around young people.
Thank you to Sam Fuentes, our panelists, all the community partners dedicated to this work, and to every attendee who showed up with openness and intention. Your presence and participation help ensure these conversations continue, strengthen connections across our community, and keep the focus where it belongs: supporting young people and preventing harm before it happens.