Mitch Bolinsky

In the difficult days to follow, please know that there are people and resources available to help you as we contend with the intense suffering and heart ache.

If you or someone you know is in need of grief counseling or services, please take advantage of the below information:

A crisis intervention team for members of the community can be reached at 203-270-4283.

The federal “Disaster Distress Helpline” also provides disaster crisis counseling by calling 1-800-985-5990 or text messaging ‘TalkWithUs’ to 66746.

The Newtown Parent Connection is offering bereavement group counseling on the first Wednesday of every month from 7:30pm – 9:00pm. This will take place at Edmond Town Hall, located at 45 Main Street, Newtown. The group is going to bring in additional counselors to accommodate the needs of those affected by the shooting. For more information, please call 203-270-1600.

As our community grieves, it’s only natural for children to feel saddened, anxious and uneasy. If you have a child or grandchild that is grieving in the aftermath of the tragedy or asking questions you are unsure how to handle, please take advantage of the following resources:

The Emergency Mobile Psychiatric Services crisis line for children and youth can be reached by dialing 2-1-1 and pressing 1. This will put you in touch with a crisis  specialist who can connect you directly to a mental health clinician in your area.

Connecticut Commission on Children offers these resources: http://www.cga.ct.gov/coc/schonfeld-zimmerman.htm#contschonfeld

American Psychological Association offers these resources: http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/aftermath.aspx

National Institute of Mental Health offers these resources: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/helping-children-and-adolescents-cope-with-violence-and-disasters-parents/how-parents-can-help.shtml