Credit: Corpus Christi Caller-Times
The Hogg Foundation offers its deepest condolences to those impacted by the shooting in Santa Fe, Texas, and for the lives lost. Our hearts go out to the students, teachers, and administrators of Santa Fe High School and their families.
We share the broader public’s bewilderment and frustration that these mass shooting incidents have become so common. It is important that we avoid either of two extremes: to see our young people entirely through the lens of danger, or to take their safety and emotional well-being for granted. Striking the right balance between urgency and nuance is hard, but our kids need the best of us right now—thoughtful and attentive while avoiding knee-jerk responses.
We’ve compiled a short list of mental health resources to help address the trauma people—both children and adults—may be feeling. These are not official endorsements, nor is this list exhaustive. Please share this information with those who may be struggling.
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration’s Disaster Distress Helpline provides crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.
- The Crisis Text Line provides free 24/7 support to people in crisis.
- Check out these articles from PBS Parents and MayoClinic to learn how to help children and youth cope following violent events.
As we search for ways to put an end to such tragedies, we encourage our fellow neighbors to do three things:
- Look for every opportunity to engage more deeply with young people—to bolster their unique strengths while also identifying threats to their well-being.
- Support and seek partnerships with those, across the political spectrum, who favor constructive dialogue and humane approaches to this pressing problem.
- Equip yourself and others with accurate information about the relationship between mental illness and violence, because being well informed is an important part of coping and resilience. This series of videos featuring Dr. Joel Dvoskin, a nationally known expert on gun violence, is a good starting point.