May 19, 2022 (Reprint of Announcement of the OMH Webinar)
Letter by Commissioner Ann Sullivan on this week’s Tragedy in Buffalo
OMH would like thanks to those who took part in yesterday’s statewide community webinar, “Addressing Community Grief and Trauma in the Wake of the Tragedy in Buffalo.”
The presentation was designed to help community leaders – such as clergy, education officials, local government, public safety leads, and behavioral health providers – with understanding how to assist individuals, families, and youth coping with the grief and trauma caused by this horrific event. The presentation provided general information about the mental health effects of racism and violence, crisis response, and helping others cope with grief and trauma. Specific information focused on children and youth.
While we discussed the impact of the tragic event in Buffalo, the focus was statewide. We were encouraged to see that more than 1,000 individuals who are interested in assisting with New York State’s healing process attended online.
If you weren’t able to attend, you can find a recording of the proceedings at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVmjFYnQPDM.
A copy of the presentation is also available at: https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/disaster_resources/buffalo-tragedy-webinar.pdf
Additional resources for New Yorkers impacted by the Buffalo shooting are available at: https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/disaster_resources/emergency-mental-health-resources.html
For a statement issued by NYAPRS following the shooting, click here.
For an article (distributed through NYAPRS ENews) on Societal Factors that Should Be Considered in Wake of Buffalo Shooting, click here.
For resources from the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress (provided by the NYS Trauma-Informed Network), see the following:
- Information for First Responders on Emotional Reactions to Human Bodies in Mass Death
- Leadership Communication: Anticipating and Responding to Stressful Events
- The Debriefing Debate
- Restoring a Sense of Well-Being in Children After a Disaster
- Grief Leadership: Leadership in the Wake of Tragedy
- Safety, Recovery and Hope after Disaster – Helping Communities and Families Recover
- Coping with Stress Following a Mass Shooting