May 28, 2022
The Buckeye Art Therapy Association (BATA) is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life that took place in Uvalde, Texas this week. We send our condolences to the 21 families in mourning and recognize the need for universal grieving as our nation confronts yet another preventable act of violence against our most innocent and vulnerable.
When 19 children, and 2 teachers committed to helping them learn and grow, are targeted in what should be a safe environment, we have witnessed a societal failure. As we now rush to respond, we are reminded of what could’ve been if prevention was prioritized.
Going forward, BATA supports collaborative efforts between mental health professionals and lawmakers to identify initiatives that improve management of access to guns and promote public safety. Additionally, BATA continues to advocate for accessible and equitable mental healthcare across OH.
As an association, we value our members and their efforts to help others in need. We hope the following resources may assist you in taking care of yourself, your families, and your clients at this time.
Fund for Families of Victims and Survivors of the Uvalde School Shooting
A grassroots civil rights organization, the League of United Latin American Citizens has set up a fundraising site for the families of victims and survivors of the Uvalde shooting
https://lulac.org/uvaldefund/
Comprehensive School Safety
Resources to help individuals and state associations advocate for the recommended policies and practices to improve school safety
https://www.nasponline.org/research-and-policy/policy-priorities/critical-policy-issues/comprehensive-school-safety
Caring for Kids After a School Shooting
A video from the Child Mind Institute regarding best practices for treating children after a school shooting in their community
https://childmind.org/article/caring-for-kids-after-a-school-shooting/
Biopic Mental Health
Mental health resources for black, indigenous, and people of color from Mental Health America
https://www.mhanational.org/bipoc-mental-health
Gun Violence Trauma: Resources for Counselors and Consumers
Trauma counseling resources from the American Counseling Association
https://www.counseling.org/knowledge-center/mental-health-resources/gun-violence-trauma-resources
Take Care of Your Emotional Health (For Your Clients & The Public)
Resources from the American Counseling Association
https://www.counseling.org/knowledge-center/mental-health-resources/trauma-disaster/take-care-of-your-emotional-health-for-your-clients-and-the-public
Gun Violence: Prediction, Prevention, and Policy
An overview of research-based conclusions and recommendations on how to reduce the incidence of gun violence from the American Psychological Association
https://www.apa.org/pubs/reports/gun-violence-prevention
Gun Violence Research
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
https://www.nami.org/Advocacy/Policy-Priorities/Stopping-Harmful-Practices/Gun-Violence-Research
EVERYTOWN for Gun Safety
https://www.everytown.org/
MOMS DEMAND ACTION for Gun Sense in America
https://momsdemandaction.org/
STUDENTS DEMAND ACTION for Gun Sense in America
https://studentsdemandaction.org/about/
NAMI HelpLine
1-800-950-NAMI (6264) — open Mon-Fri from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET.
