We were deeply heartbroken by the devastating mass shooting that took place in Monterey Park this past weekend – during the Lunar New Year celebration. First and foremost, we mourn the innocent lives lost at the hands of senseless violence and extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends affected – who will continue to face this hard loss on a daily basis.
This event is a solemn reminder that our beautiful communities share not only traditions and culture based on the immigrant experience in America, but also continue to face the same threats of hate, violence, and a system that continually fails to protect us. To our AAPI partners and allies, we see you and acknowledge that your sacred spaces, place of community, and sense of safety have been impacted. We know all too well, it takes time to process, take action, and to ensure the community heals. As we collectively take a breath, we are determined to support in this healing, and join hands in the fight against these preventable and reocurring violent acts.
We need to end gun violence- it is a public health crisis. We must end the propagation of weapons of mass murder, and denounce hate of any form against our communities. We know California has done what many other states and this country has failed to do in taking steps against gun violence – but as we have learned from this event, those steps have not stopped the unnecessary loss of life at the hand of mass shooters. We need to close loopholes that allow weapons to be purchased with ease and transported into our state. We need to do more as a state to raise our voices at the federal level. Hand in hand, community along with government – at every level – must put a definitive end to these tragedies.
UPDATE: No more than 48 hours after this posting, we were rocked by another horrific shooting this time in Half Moon Bay, California. 7 families are now added to the 11 families suffering the loss of their loved ones. We are deeply heartbroken by the tragedies and continue to grieve in unity — as a community. We extend our deepest condolences. We will be adding Half Moon Bay tragedy specific resources as we learn more.
As we continue to heal, please access the following resources:
Local Response and Resources:
- City of Monterey Park: In-person #MentalHealth resources will be available at City of MPK’s Langley Senior Center, which will serve as a Survivors Resource Center through Sat., Jan. 28.
- Los Angeles County Department of Public Health: 24/7 support and resources are available through the Help Line at (800) 854-7771 or at the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
AAPI Specific Resources:
- The Asian Mental Health Collective has a U.S. therapist directory with professionals who specialize in serving the AAPI community.
- AMHC also has a range of free mental health support groups. (https://www.asianmhc.org/amhc-support-groups/)
- The AAPI Equity Alliance had put together a resource directory for those in need of trauma support
- NAMI California’s list of AAPI mental health resources
- The Asians For Mental Health Therapist Directory
- The California Victims Compensation Board reimburses mental health services for victims and their families.
- Changing Tides, part of the Little Tokyo Service Center, offers stipends for AAPI youth seeking therapy. (https://thechangingtides.org/)
Trauma Resources for aAdults and Employers:
- Coping in the Aftermath of a Shooting (American Counseling Association)
- Supporting Employees in Coping with Community Violence (Employee Assistance for Education – EASE)
- Trauma and Disaster Mental Health (American Counseling Association)
Resources for Children:
- What To Say To Kids When The News Is Scary (NPR)
- Parent Guidelines For Helping Youth After The Recent Shooting (The National Child Traumatic Stress Network – English/Spanish)
- Talking to Children About Violence: Tips For Parents And Teachers (National Association of School Psychologists)
- Helping Children Cope With Frightening News (Child Mind Institute)
- Teaching in the Wake of Violence (Facing History and Ourselves)
- An example of a calming technique to help kids with stressful situations (Coping Skills For Kids)
- Younger kids may not yet have the language to express their feelings. Here’s a helpful list of words for emotions. (University of California, Santa Barbara)
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About LCHC:
Latino Coalition for a Healthy California (LCHC)— is the leading statewide policy organization with a specific emphasis on Latino health. For over 30 years, LCHC has worked on transforming systems to achieve Latinx health justice. We pride ourselves in translating community solutions into equitable policy and lasting change.
