Resources for Helping Communities Cope in the Events of Mass Shooting

Posted in: #CC/Academic List, #Health Interest List, #Health Sciences List, #Public/K-12 List, All Members

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The New Mexico Public Health Association has compiled resources for communities and organizations looking for immediate resources in the aftermath of recent mass shootings.  

Gun violence is a public health crisis that affects us all, and the ramifications of gun violence extend far beyond the act. The physical, mental, and emotional health and wellbeing of our communities are deeply impacted by such events. We hope you can find comfort and support in your communities in these devastating times to grieve and process together. We have experienced unprecedented trauma in these past few years, and now more than ever do we need to continue supporting one another.  

They have included various resources that help children, families, educators, and communities navigate what they are seeing and hearing, acknowledge their feelings, and find ways to cope together. These resources include:  

• The Institute for the Study and Promotion of Race and Culture Alumni Board has released a toolkit for managing symptoms at #racialtraumaisreal which is available to download in manuscript form (2015) or as an infograghic. 

American Psychological Association (APA) Resources:  

• Empowering communities to prevent mass shootings. Psychology research is informing new strategies to reach people at risk of committing a violent act. 
• Managing your distress in the aftermath of a shooting. Tips for managing feelings of distress in the aftermath of a shooting. 
• How to talk to children about difficult news. Tips for parents and other caregivers on how to guide the conversation in a proactive and supportive way. 
• Talking to kids when they need help. How to open the lines of communication and build trust. 
• Helping your children manage distress in the aftermath of a shooting. Tips for children of all ages. 

National Child Traumatic Stress Network Resources: 

• Talking to Children about the Shooting 
• Helping Youth After a Community Trauma: Tips for Educators (En Español) 
• Talking to Children: When Scary Things Happen  (En Español) 
• Talking to Teens about Violence (En Español) 

• Tips for Talking to Students about Violence; and,  
• Coping After Mass Violence: For Adults.