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OAKLAND COUNTY, MI (September 29, 2025) – Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN) extends its deepest sympathies and heartfelt support to the Grand Blanc community in the wake of the tragic shooting that occurred during Sunday service at a local church.
“In moments like this, our hearts break alongside the families and loved ones impacted by this senseless act of violence,” said OCHN Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, Dana Lasenby. “As a community, we must come together to grieve, to heal, and to support one another. OCHN stands ready to provide mental health resources and compassionate care to anyone affected by this tragedy. You are not alone, we are here to help.”
Mental Health Support:
Individuals experiencing a mental health crisis can call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 (24 hours / 7 days) or Oakland Community Health Network’s non-emergency behavioral health access department at 248-464-6363, Monday thru Friday from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Tips for Adults:
- Everyone experiences events and trauma in different ways and however they think or feel after an event like this is okay. Some people respond with fear, some anger, some shock, sadness, etc. Encourage people to talk about what they are thinking and feeling. Seek support from friends, family, or professionals if necessary.
- Try to get back to routines and schedules to promote feelings of consistency and balance to reduce fear and provide a feeling of returning control and predictability.
- Be mindful to consider the amount of exposure to the news / media, particularly to children. It is okay to keep updated, but continuing to view the images, etc. will worsen and prolong the issues the person is experiencing.
Tips for Parents:
- Acknowledge what happened. If your child is talking or asking about traumatic events, it is important for the caregivers / loved ones in their life to acknowledge what happened, provide age-appropriate information, and be supportive.
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Parents may want to approach older children who may have seen the news or videos on social media and find out what they know and what their thoughts / feelings are about what happened.
- Recognize the effect this has on your child. Talk to your child about their thoughts and emotions as it pertains to the event and validate their feelings and concerns. With mass shootings in public places and places of worship, this is a valid concern for them, and all adults need to take their viewpoint and concerns into consideration.
- Help your child to feel safe. A sense of normalcy and routine as soon as possible after an event helps to re-establish a child's sense of safety and structure. Discuss whatever positive aspects can be found in tragic events such as the quick police response and how community members and citizens across the country are coming together to support those affected.
Incidents like this can have a profound emotional impact, both on those directly involved and on the broader community. OCHN remains committed to supporting the mental health and emotional well-being of individuals and families during times of crisis. Together, we grieve—and together, we heal.
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