Support around Recent Mass Shootings

We join our Mass General Brigham community and many throughout the world in mourning the shooting tragedies in Texas, Buffalo and California. Events like these can be stressful to both those directly impacted and those who learn about these events through news or social media. You may find these resources helpful:

Taking Care of Yourself

• Mass General Brigham EAP Personal Coping Tips
• Calm Moment – Managing Stress from News
• How Building Resilience Helps You Weather Adversity
• EAP Wellness Resources

Discussing these Events with Children

In particular, the shootings in the Texas school may create fear and anxiety for children. If so, reassure them that these events are rare and review the measures in place that make them safe.  Let children know it’s OK and important to speak up about general or specific concerns about safety risks.  Here are some suggestions for addressing these events.

• Helping Children Cope with School Shootings
• How to Talk to Kids of Different ages about Tragic Events
• Visit the MGH Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds for Resources to Support your Children

Taking Measures to be and Feel Safe
MGB Safety Offerings 

• MGB Armed Intruder/Active Shooter Course and HealthStream Offerings

Video presentation of various Armed Intruder/Active Shooter situations including scenes which show you what to do if there is an Active shooter in your area. This information will help you survive. MGH course: MGH Armed Intruder/Active Shooter

• MGB AVADE (HealthStream course code – MGBE AVADE® Workplace Violence Prevention) provides a comprehensive, current, and effective approach to preventing, avoiding, de-escalating, and mitigating violence and aggression
  – It can help you become safety-aware with a vigilant mindset, understand body language communication and de-escalation, and teach you defense techniques for yourself and other.
  – Although this is a workplace training, many of the concepts are transferable to any environment

• Mass General Brigham maintains an Employee Alert System (EAS) that sends alerts in life-threatening situations such as an armed intruder. Instructions on how to ensure your cell phone is enrolled are available on The Pulse
• EAP News Article: Personal Safety for Women: Self-defense Goes Way Beyond the Physical

To speak confidentially with an EAP counselor, call 866-724-4327 or request an appointment via our online form. The Mass General Brigham EAP offers free and confidential services for employees and immediate household family members. EAP records are separate from medical and HR records.