New York State Helping Black New Yorkers Heal from Buffalo Tragedy and Increased Rates of Trauma
In response to elevated levels of grief and trauma experienced by Black New Yorkers in the aftermath of the May 14th Buffalo shooting and elevated rates of racial trauma statewide, the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) has partnered with the Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi), Inc. to provide virtual “Sawubona” healing circle support groups for individuals and families seeking support.The Black-led healing circles, which are non-clinical, provide culturally relevant ways for people to express thoughts, feelings, and stories in a healing way. Culturally grounded in African-centered practices, the model helps address racial and other forms of trauma in communities of color. If you want to attend a “Sawubona” healing circle, please sign up hereTo grow this effort, OMH is looking for New York State residents interested in becoming trained Sawubona Healing Circle facilitators. This is a perfect opportunity for volunteers, retirees, students, advocates, and mental health service providers interested in supporting resilience in the Black community.
*If you are interested in this free training opportunity, go to this link and apply and apply The Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi), Inc. is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) membership association organized in 1968. One of the National Programs of the association is the Sawubona Healing Circle (SHC) program. Sawubona is a Zulu word that means “I see you.” Sawubona Healing Circles are a culturally grounded rapid response intervention model designed to provide coping and wellness strategies in an affirming space for Black people experiencing race-related stress and trauma.
