May 18, 2022

This week, OMH held a 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 the discussion was on the impact of the tragic event in Buffalo, the focus was statewide. 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