One of 21 victims at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde identified as Girl Scout Amerie Garza
Girl Scouts of Colorado is heartbroken to share that one of our Girl Scouts from a sister council was killed during the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Texas this week. The Girl Scout Movement mourns the death of Amerie Garza, and all of the victims of another senseless shooting.
News outlets are reporting that Amerie attempted to call 9-1-1 when the shooter came into the classroom and she’s being hailed as a hero for attempting to save herself and her peers.
Along with the rest of the nation and the world, Girl Scouts in Colorado mourn for the victims, their families and friends, and all those impacted by this tragedy.
For ways you can help our sisters in Uvalde, please visit the Girl Scout Strong for Uvalde web page at www.girlscouts-swtx.org/girlscoutstrong.
In the wake of violent events, we all may experience fear and anxiety. The following resources can help you navigate conversations about what’s happened:
Girl Scout Raising Awesome Girls content: When Violence on the News Shakes Her World
For child-centered grief and trauma resources
The National School Crisis Center has resources which offer practical tips for supporting youth and opening conversations—for example: Talking to children about tragedies
The National Alliance for Children’s Grief (NACG) offers videos and an FAQ section aimed at understanding grief in children and helping caring adults guide them through loss. Their “ Hero Toolkit” offers activities for talking about grief with children and teens.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network has many resources on grief and trauma, but here are some aimed at helping adults talk to children about violent events and grief:
Tip Sheet on Coping After Mass Violence: provides common reactions children and families may be experiencing after a mass violence event and what they can do to take care of themselves.
Guidance for parents for helping youth after mass violence: Offers parents guidance on helping their children after a mass violence event. This fact sheet describes common reactions children may have, how parents can help them, and self-care tips after a violent event.
Helping teens with traumatic grief: Describes how teens may feel when struggling with the death of someone close and offers tips on what caregivers can do to help.
After a Crisis: Offers tips to parents on how to help young children, toddlers, and preschoolers heal after a traumatic event.
Guiding Adults in Talking to Children: Provides ways to navigate children’s questions about death, funerals, and memorials. This fact sheet discusses this challenging, but manageable, task and includes sample Q&A to help guide discussions.
For mental health crises
Call 911
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255or suicidepreventionlifeline.org for online emotional support
The Crisis Text Line connects you to a trained crisis counselor to receive free, 24/7 crisis support via text message: text NAMI to 741741
The Disaster Distress Helpline is a 24/7 national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling (more info at National Institute of Mental Health): Dial 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor
For families or troops seeking mental health care services
National Alliance for Children’s Grief (NACG) links to local support groups and professionals
SAMHSA’s Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Mental Health America (MHA) links to affiliates across the country and offers resources for finding treatment