Mental Health America Mourns Victims of Boston Marathon Explosions; Offers Resources to Help in Responding to Impact of Event

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Apr 15, 2013, 06:19 ET

ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 15, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Statement of Wayne W. Lindstrom, Ph.D., president and CEO of Mental Health America:

Mental Health America joins Americans in mourning the loss of those killed in today's Boston Marathon explosions. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and hope for the full recovery of those who were injured and everyone who is affected by this horrific event.

At this point, we do not know the motivation behind this tragic and senseless act.

We do know that events like this will impact families, the community and the nation. Many may feel at risk and may experience feelings of anxiety and fear. Parents may be groping with how to discuss these and similar events with their children.

The National Disaster Distress Helpline is a 24 hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week national service that offers phone- and text-based crisis counseling and support to people in distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster, to help them move forward on the path of recovery. You may reach the Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or by texting "TalkWithUs" or ("Hablanos" for Spanish-speaking) to 66746. Sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the Helpline immediately connects callers to trained and caring professionals from the closest crisis counseling center in the nationwide network of centers. The Helpline staff will provide confidential counseling, referrals and other needed support services. The Helpline complements the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other disaster response capacities, and is available immediately anywhere within the United States. This service is provided under contract with SAMHSA by Mental Health America's New York City affiliate.

Mental Health America has also developed guidelines to help Americans respond and cope with tragic events, which can be found at http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/information/coping-with-disaster.

Mental Health America's affiliates can also provide or direct individuals to appropriate resources in the community. To find an affiliate, go to http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/searchMHA.

Mental Health America (www.mentalhealthamerica.net), founded in 1909, is the nation's leading community-based network dedicated to helping all Americans achieve wellness by living mentally healthier lives. With our 240 affiliates across the country, we touch the lives of millions—Advocating for changes in mental health and wellness policy; Educating the public & providing critical information; and delivering urgently needed mental health and wellness Programs and Services.

SOURCE Mental Health America