Families Together in New York State mourns the horrific loss of life that occurred in Uvalde, Texas. The unimaginable sadness and pain that Uvalde is facing have become too common in our society. In our grief, we also harbor deep resentment toward the collective moral failure of our nation's political representatives to act and prevent the tragic loss of life that has somehow become a new normal in the lives of our children and families.
Nineteen beautiful children who embraced dreams of a future and shared hope and love within their community were murdered inside of their classrooms where all children should be safe. The 2 teachers sacrificed their lives protecting these children.
Our children’s sense of safety and trust to exist in this world shatters with each of these unspeakable tragedies and yet we wonder why anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation are on the rise among our children? We wonder why children prefer to isolate themselves and stay inside. But can we as parents with complete confidence tell our children that they are safe to go to school, to church, to the grocery store?
As a nation, tragedy after tragedy, we have asked ourselves why we are the only developed nation on earth who experiences mass shootings this frequently. Some claim this is a mental health problem, not a gun problem. While it is true the country is in fact facing a mental health crisis, especially among our youth, the United States is hardly unique in that. So many countries face a mental health crisis where these tragedies do not happen. It is a simple fact that these tragedies could not happen without the unfettered access to firearms and ammunition while access to mental health treatment and support remains elusive to millions of Americans.
We know these tragedies would not be possible without these weapons. And we have countless examples from across the world on how we can restrict that access and prevent these tragedies. What the United States lacks is the political will to solve this problem.
Gun violence is a public health crisis. But the country's inability to solve it is a political one.
This cannot go on. This cannot be the world our children grow up in. But while this political crisis unfolds, we must tend to our children and young people.
In the days to come, there will be round-the-clock news coverage. Buffalo, Uvalde, and other events are an added stress and burden for our youth, especially those who are already facing compounding challenges and trauma. Together, we will struggle to understand the unimaginable. Engage in self-care, keep your child’s routine and be open to tough and nurturing discussions and conversations about what’s happening.
Below are resources for families, youth, and educators that can help guide us all through tough conversations, obtain support, and evoke a call to action for a change in our communities.