OPA Statement Regarding the UCC TragedyOctober 7, 2015Once again we are faced with the horrifying news of a mass shooting at a school, and another local one at that. We send deep condolences and caring to those personally affected, members of the Umpqua Community College community, and to the community at large for having to face another such tragedy. As professionals we will be called upon to help our communities and individuals, young and old, deal with their reactions to such an unthinkable event. Also, as humans, we will have our own reactions to these events. There are many wonderful resources to help guide us. Some reminders that cut across many of the resources are:
Below you’ll find a number of resources. But also keep in mind some advice from Mr. Rogers (that gets quoted a lot in these times): "My mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.' To this day, especially in times of 'disaster,' I remember my mother's words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers-so many caring people in this world."—Fred Rogers The good news is we get to be those helpers, and to help others see that they are there. Sincerely,​ Oregon Psychological Association Board of Directors
(Special Thanks to Dr. Cyndi Connolly, our Public Education Committee Chair, for putting our thoughts and feelings so eloquently into words)
Resources http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/mass-shooting.aspx http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/aftermath.aspx http://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/assets/pdfs/tips_for_parents_media_final.pdf http://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/assets/pdfs/talking_to_children_about_the_shooting.pdf http://www.pbs.org/parents/rogers/special/scarynews-thoughts.html We are very grateful to the OPA Public Education Committee (PEC) who, as they always do in times of tragedy, have been working overtime to supply resources to our membership and to the public. For example, the OPA Public Education Committee Facebook page has resources posted to help you and your clients process this tragedy.
Dr. Cyndi Connolly, Chair of the OPA Public Education Committee is assisting with coordination of therapists who would like to pitch in by offering crisis management counseling to affected individuals in Roseburg. If you are interested in helping, please contact Dr. Connolly at [email protected]
Here are some recent PEC activities:
Also, below, in blue font, is a information from the American Psychological Association regarding the tragedy and resources they have available to assist you and your clients in coping.
When tragedy strikes, many members on APA staff and in our volunteer networks move quickly to address the public’s need for information and help. I wanted to provide you with an update on what APA is doing to respond to the tragic situation in Oregon on the Umpqua Community College campus. Staff in our Public Affairs, Public Interest, Governance Relations and Web Content Offices all actively worked together to get relevant information out to the public as soon as possible.
In addition, the Disaster Response Network Coordinators just happened to be meeting this weekend, and they were able to immediately develop an action plan to work with their state-level networks to respond quickly and efficiently, and especially mobilizing help in local Oregon communities and other areas affected directly by the shootings. There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes at APA, but our focus is on connecting the public with what psychological science can offer, especially in times of crisis. Nancy Gordon Moore, PhD MBAExecutive Director, Governance Affairs Acting Executive Director, Public & Member Communications American Psychological Association |