The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) shares in the state’s grief following the tragic incident in Uvalde, Texas, and we are actively working to respond to the immediate behavioral health needs of the local community, as well as the longer-term impacts of the incident.
Our Disaster Behavioral Health Services team arrived on-site Wednesday morning, making themselves available to the local community and offering their support. In addition, HHSC leadership is in communication with key partners, both internally and externally, to ensure a coordinated and timely response.
These tragic events can adversely impact Texans statewide, so we offer the following resources to providers and the communities they serve.
- Coping Tips for Traumatic Events and Disasters https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline/coping-tips
- Disaster Distress Helpline https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline
- Talking to Children about Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers (nasponline.org)
- Helping Youth after Community trauma: Tips for Educators Microsoft Word – Helping Youth After Community Trauma for Educators Final (lsuhsc.edu)
- Managing your Distress in the Aftermath of a Shooting Managing your distress in the aftermath of a shooting (apa.org)
- Helping Children and Families Cope after a Traumatic Event Coping with Traumatic Events (Children and Families) 02.26.2018.pdf (lsuhsc.edu)
- For Teens: Coping after Mass Violence For Teens: Coping After Mass Violence | The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (nctsn.org)
- Psychological Impact of Mass Violence Psychological Impact of Mass Violence | The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (nctsn.org)
- Coping after Mass Violence Coping after Mass Violence | The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (nctsn.org)
- More resources can be found in multiple languages on The National Child Traumatic Stress Network’s website at All NCTSN Resources | The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
In closing, HHSC recognizes all local behavioral health providers on the frontline who daily manage crises as they address the critical needs of the population we serve. HHSC is grateful for your dedication, commitment, and service.
If you have questions about this broadcast, please email Childrens_MH@hhs.texas.gov.
Sincerely,
Trina K. Ita, MA, Associate Commissioner
Behavioral Health Services
Medical and Social Services Division
If you or a loved one are in need of Mental Health Services, don’t hesitate to reach us at (936) 639-1141. Our Crisis Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-392-8343.
Information about our services are available at myburke.org/services/
