The March 15 tornado that destroyed and damaged hundreds of homes in the Dexter is more than a bad memory for many residents who are now faced with lingering fears and stress brought on by the disaster.

University of Michigan Dexter Family Medicine recently started a support group for those affected by the storm.

"As the dust settles, and that sense of survival urgency subsides, we begin to realize what we've just been through, what we've lost, what it means," said social worker Sue Pellerito, M.S.W., who has volunteered to facilitate the group.

The support group was started after Dexter Family Medicine's clinic staff observed patients who showed symptoms of stress related to the tornado. The purpose of the group is to share and validate personal experiences and learn how to move forward.

Although no lives were lost, Pellerito says that pictures, mementos, and other connections people have to their loved ones were lost as a result of the tornado.

She says that one of the biggest losses is that of safety and security.

"'It won't happen to me' now becomes 'It could happen to me again,'" she said. "Even those not directly affected by the tornado may have some stress reactions triggered by prior losses or worry about those they know where were affected."

The support group is open to the public and meets every other Friday from 6-7 :15 p.m. at Dexter Family Medicine, 7300 Dexter Ann Arbor Road in Dexter. The next meeting is on Friday, April 27.