MH Update 6/8/2022 – Message from OMH Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan

The violent loss of life we’ve witnessed recently in Texas, in Buffalo, and in communities all across the nation affects us all. The incomprehensible tragedies of the last few weeks have left us confused, angry and emotionally devastated. Even in the face of these tragic events we have seen New Yorkers pull together to support each other.Children are especially vulnerable to the trauma caused by news of these events. To help address the needs of children and youth, the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) is conducting a webinar to help parents, educators and other systems and programs who serve children and youth (pediatric primary care, afterschool and summer programs, faith-based organizations, child welfare and juvenile justice, etc.). Topics will include understanding common reactions in children and youth and supporting immediate and long-term needs. While we discuss the impact of the tragic events in Buffalo and Texas, the focus will be statewide and touch on addressing trauma resulting from mass violence broadly. The webinar will also address reactions to hate-based violence and impacts of racial trauma for youth of color, and help parents and caregivers support themselves through these tragic events.

The webinar will be held:

Thursday, June 9, 2022, 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Event link: meetny-events.webex.com/meetny-events/j.php?MTID=m1e5f38bf7eb7d19e8de0f8bec9a58fcc
Password: OMHwebinar2022 (66493246 from phones)

To accommodate the considerable interest for information, OMH will again record the event and make files available for download on our website, along with additional resources for New Yorkers impacted by theses violent events. These resources are available at: omh.ny.gov/omhweb/disaster_resources/emergency-mental-health-resources.html

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Additional help is available by calling the NY Project Hope Emotional Support Helpline
(1-844-863-9314) to speak with a trained crisis counselor who will provide free, anonymous, and confidential advice and, if needed, referral to services in your community.

Other resources available to the public include:

– SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline – (1-800-985-5990)
– National Child Traumatic Stress Network – Mass Violence Resources
– American Psychological Association (APA) – APA Resources for coping with mass shootings, understanding gun violence
– National Association of School Psychologists – Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers (nasponline.org)

These last few weeks have been especially challenging for all of us. Please take time to care of yourself, your children, your friends, and loved ones.

Ann Marie T. Sullivan, MD,
Commissioner
New York State Office of Mental Health
Public Information Office
Office of Mental Health
44 Holland Ave., Albany, NY 12229

www.omh.ny.gov

Feeling stressed by the COVID-19 pandemic? You are not alone. Call the NY Project Hope Emotional Support Helpline 7 days a week, 8am-10pm at 1-844-863-9314 or visit nyprojecthope.org