Supporting Our Community
A MESSAGE FROM BLACKBIRD HEALTH
Resources in the wake of a school shooting
Today's devastating school shootingat Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis has deeply shaken communities and hearts nationwide. We at Blackbird Health want to acknowledge how this tragic event may be impacting all of us—both professionally and personally—specifically because we may support children, families, educators, pediatricians, and colleagues affected by it. In this moment, it’s vital we care for ourselves as attentively as we care for others. Please share and use these resources as needed.
For parents, families, children, and young adults
National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) offers family-centered resources including Parent Guidelines for Helping Youth After a Shooting and Age-Related Reactions to a Traumatic Event for understanding and responding to children’s needs sensitively.
SAMHSA’s School Shooting Resources offer tip sheets, trainings, and videos for parents, caregivers, and professionals to guide trauma-informed support.
NASP (National Association of School Psychologists) provides guidance for talking to children about violence, understanding trauma responses, and establishing a sense of safety.
For the well-being of educators, pediatricians, and mental health professionals
The SAMHSA Disaster Behavioral Health Resource Center (Minnesota Department of Health) includes tools like Psychological First Aid (PFA) and Skills for Psychological Recovery (SPR) to support responders, professionals, and communities.
Limit exposure to news coverage, stay connected with supportive colleagues, maintain healthy routines, and seek professional support to avoid compassion fatigue and secondary trauma. Health
Everytown Survivor Network provides guidance on trauma, grief, coping with trauma in youth, and self-care practices, applicable to both clinicians and caregivers.
Immediate help lines
988—Call or text this number for urgent mental health support.
Disaster Distress Helpline (SAMHSA)—Dial 1 (800) 985-5990 (press 2 for Spanish) for crisis counseling.
Crisis Text Line—Text your location code (e.g., MN) to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
Parents, educators, pediatricians, and mental health professionals, please lean on one another and consider sharing developmentally appropriate guidance and self-care strategies. If you’re processing this personally, it’s okay to pause, reflect, or reach out.
Together, let’s continue to offer compassionate, trauma-informed care—while also honoring our own emotional needs in this difficult time.
