We are saddened by the shooting that took place at Great Mills High School on March 20.

Saturday, March 24 through Thursday, March 29, 12 – 4 p.m. GMHS students and parents can visit the Beacon of Hope of Walden at 21770 FDR Blvd. Millison Plaza in Lexington Park for a safe place to talk to crisis trained staff and youth mentors, play games, do crafts, watch movies, have a quiet space, and get something to eat. On call counseling also available. For more information call 240-298-0212 or Walden’s 24 hour crisis line: 301-863-6661.

St. Mary’s County Public Schools Family Resources

St. Mary’s County Health Department Support Resources

This list of resources was developed by the University of Maryland School of Social Work:

• People in-need can:
  • Call the Maryland Crisis Hotline: 1-800-422-0009
  • Call or text the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746. Spanish-speakers should text Hablanos to 66746.
  • Text CONNECT to 741741

• Infographic on Supporting children who have faced trauma (from ChildCare Aware)
• SAMHSA’s Tips for talking with and Helping Children & Youth Cope after a Disaster or Traumatic Event: A Guide for Parents, Caregivers, and Teachers
• The National Association of School Psychologists’ Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers
• From the National Child Traumatic Stress Network:
  • Talking to Children about the Shooting
  • Restoring a Sense of Safety in the Aftermath of a Mass Shooting: Tips for Parents & Professionals
  • Parent Guidelines for Helping Youth after the Recent Shooting
  • Additional resources

• Effects of Traumatic Stress after Mass Violence, Terror, or Disaster (from the VA)
• How to Talk to with Kids about Terrible Things (from NPR with the National Association of School Psychologists)