Our Horizon community joins the nation in this time of grief and sadness. As healthcare professionals, we know that the days, months and years following such a tragedy are a time to reach out to support one another.
The following are resources to help you cope with the aftermath of the Sandy Hook tragedy. And if you or someone you know would like to speak with one of our dedicated counselors, call us at 716.831.1800.
Resources for Parents
Child Care Resources Network
As the nation continues to mourn and reflect on the tragedy that occurred in Newton, Connecticut, here is information that may be used to address children’s concerns regarding this traumatic event.
What do we tell the kids?
Michelle Pearlman, Ph.D.
What to tell your kids about the Connecticut massacre
Maki Becker, The Buffalo News
Resources for the General Public
Disaster Distress Helpline Offers Immediate Crisis Counseling
The recent shooting at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, continues to bring out strong emotions across the Nation. The Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990, can provide immediate counseling to anyone who needs help in dealing with the many issues and problems that might arise from this tragedy.
Sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the Helpline immediately connects callers to trained and caring professionals from the closest crisis counseling center in the nationwide network of centers. Helpline staff will provide confidential counseling, referrals, and other needed support services.
The Disaster Distress Helpline is a 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week national hotline dedicated to providing disaster crisis counseling. The toll-free Helpline is confidential and multilingual, and available for those who are experiencing psychological distress as a result of natural or man-made disasters, incidents of mass violence, or any other tragedy affecting America’s communities.
Our texting service also is available to Spanish speakers. Text “Hablanos” to 66746 for 24/7 emotional support.
TTY for Deaf/Hearing Impaired: 1-800-846-8517
Article: Better care for mentally ill won’t be enough, experts say
Jerry Zremski, News Washington Bureau Chief
Resources for Healthcare Professionals
National Center for Crisis Management and the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress
Below are links to practical documents from A Practical Guide for Crisis Response in Our Schools: Sixth Edition and Comprehensive Acute Traumatic Stress Management, both publications of the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. They include useful information for assisting professionals in addressing the emergent psychological needs of those impacted by this tragic event.
- Practical Suggestions for Assisting Children in the Aftermath of a Tragedy
- Teacher Guidelines for Crisis Response
- How Do People Respond During Traumatic Exposure?
- Helpful Information During and After a Traumatic Event