Dear Colleague,

We share in the nation's deep sadness and concern over two recent tragic events: the New Year's Bourbon Street attack in New Orleans, Louisiana, and the California wildfires that began earlier this week. In response to these tragedies, the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) and National Center for School Mental Health (NCSMH) have compiled a list of resources to help victims, families, and communities cope with grief and other emotions related to these events.  

Along with the resources below, we hope you take time to prioritize care for yourself and your loved ones, and that you can continue to effectively support your students, staff, and communities:

• Helping Students Cope with the Preparation and Aftermath of Natural Disasters by the National Center for School Mental Health (NCSMH)

• Resources in Response to the California Wildfires from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) 

• Resources in Response to the New Year’s Truck-Ramming Attack in New Orleans from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) 

• Supporting Students, Staff, Families, and Communities Impacted by Violence by the National Center for School Mental Health (NCSMH)

• Wildfire Resources from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN)

Additional Resources

• Behavioral Health Conditions in Children and Youth Exposed to Natural Disasters by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

• CA Wildfires and Indigenous Sources of Knowledge by Learning for Justice

• Understanding the Impacts of Natural Disasters on Children from the Society for Research in Child Development