WINTHROP – Interim Town Manager and Police Chief Terence Delehanty, Winthrop Public Schools Superintendent Lisa Howard and Public Health Director Meredith Hurley would like to share plans for several trauma-informed services that will be provided to community members following Saturday’s critical incident.
“We know that this horrific and hateful incident has affected many of our community members and everyone will process this grief and trauma in a different way and at a different pace,” Chief Delehanty said. “Processing and healing following this tragedy will take time and the Town of Winthrop is committed to making available services and resources to support community members of all ages in the coming days and weeks.”
Chief Delehanty has also reached out to the Anti-Defamation League of New England following this incident.
Tuesday, June 29:
The Winthrop Public Health Department’s Crisis Intervention Team, which includes a licensed clinical social worker and a Winthrop Police outreach officer, will be canvassing the neighborhood where Saturday’s incident occurred to check in and talk with residents. The team will also be providing flyers and cards to community members that will include information about available community and online resources.
Additionally on Tuesday, the school department will be conducting outreach. The schools will reach out to any impacted families and staff to offer support and make them aware of the resources that are available to them. The school department will also attend the Neighborhood Drop In meeting referenced below, and conduct smaller youth groups sessions as needed.
Wednesday, June 30:
The Public Health Department will hold a Neighborhood Drop In meeting at the Winthrop Senior Center, 35 Harvard St., from 7-8:30 p.m. Behavioral health support resources will be available for residents.
Thursday, July 1:
A candlelight vigil will be held Thursday at 7 p.m. on the Winthrop Town Hall lawn, 1 Metcalf Square to honor and recognize the victims. The vigil is being hosted by the Winthrop Commission for Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement.
Representatives from a multitude of support services, including the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, the Winthrop Public Health Crisis Intervention Team, the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center and the Boston Public Health Commission will be present to assist residents who may be experiencing emotional responses, as well as provide support and resources for dealing with trauma. School adjustment counselors and other school representatives will also be present at the vigil.
The town is also planning to hold a community-wide meeting next week to discuss dealing with trauma and various stressors that may trigger emotional responses, and what to look for in friends and family who may need additional support following a tragedy. Details regarding this meeting will be released as they become available.
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