Community Gun Violence and Children
There are ways that parents and caregivers can help children cope with the trauma.
Community Support in the Wake of Tragedy
Community Support in the Wake of Tragedy
Brown University Health, including Bradley Hospital and Gateway Healthcare, is working closely to support the community in the aftermath of the recent shooting in Pawtucket. We know that when violence happens in community spaces we think of as safe, like schools or sports arenas, it can be profoundly disturbing for all of us, as parents, neighbors, community members. As the largest provider of behavioral health services in Rhode Island, we are proud to be in service to our communities at this difficult time.
Access Mental Health Support and Resources
Crisis Support
For adults and children in immediate crisis: Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org.
Other Support for Children and Adults
For children and teens, parents and caregivers: Call KidsLinkRI at 1-855-543-5465
More about getting mental health support for your child
For adults: Call the Rhode Island United Way at 211
More about 211 resources
Crisis and Community Support Services at Gateway Healthcare
Walk-in crisis services: Gateway Healthcare provides walk-in crisis services at all of our sites in Pawtucket, Johnston, and Charlestown.
See addresses, hours, and phone numbers
Mobile crisis services: Our mobile crisis services operate 24/7/365 and can be accessed by calling the site’s main number, and by calling 988. (See phone numbers for each location)
More about emergency services and crisis stabilization
Support for schools and organizations: Gateway also provides support in schools and organizations. Please contact Susan Stevenson at 401-667-6716 for assistance.
Community Workshops and Trainings
Free Webinar: Talking to Youth About Gun Violence
Unfortunately, gun violence has become a horrible reality in our state and country. Reports of shooting in perceived safe places such as schools and places of worship can trigger anxiety and stress for our youth. Fortunately, there are ways that parents and caregivers can help children and adolescents cope with the trauma of gun violence. Please join Bradley clinicians for some tips on how we can support our kids.
This 60-minute training is designed to help adults understand their own feelings in order to have a productive conversation about the event. We will discuss techniques for opening the conversation, maintaining open dialogue and recognizing when an advanced level of support may be needed. This session will conclude with a list of local resources.
February 20, 2026, at 10 a.m.
Talking to Youth About Gun Violence: Educator Training
Join Zoom Meeting
February 20, 2026, at 12 p.m.
Talking to Youth About Gun Violence: Community Training
Join Zoom Meeting
February 25, 2026, at 7 a.m.
Talking to Youth About Gun Violence: Educator Training
Join Zoom Meeting
Free Parenting Matters Conference
March 7, 2026, from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
This free online conference is presented by Bradley Hospital, and includes a keynote and workshops.
Learn more and register online
Mental Health First Aid Courses
Mental Health First Aid is an eight-hour, in-person course that gives people the skills to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. Trainees are taught how to apply a five-step action plan in a variety of situations such as helping someone through a panic attack, engaging with someone who may be suicidal, or assisting an individual who has overdosed. All sessions will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1 Catamore Blvd., East Providence, RI. Registration fee is $125.
April 16, 2026, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Mental Health First Aid for Adults
Learn more and register online
May 28, 2026, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Mental Health First Aid for Adults
Learn more and register online
July 23, 2026, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Youth Mental Health First Aid
Learn more and register online
September 3, 2026, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Mental Health First Aid for Adults
Learn more and register online
October 1, 2026, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Mental Health First Aid for Adults
Learn more and register online
Suicide: Screening, Prevention and Response Training Course
Every 12 minutes, someone in the United States dies by suicide. Suicide is a preventable public health problem and prevention depends in large part on appropriate screening and response. The clinicians at Bradley Hospital designed a training program, specifically for individuals who do not have a background in behavioral health. This is a three-hour in-person class offered to anyone in the community who may wish to learn more about suicide prevention. This training will be available on the following dates at Bradley Learning Exchange, 1 Catamore Blvd., East Providence, RI, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Registration fee is $39.
Thursday, February 19, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Learn more and register online
Thursday, April 30, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Learn more and register online
Friday, November 13, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Learn more and register online
For clinical information about the course or to obtain group rates, contact Scott Sylvester at 401-606-5754 or email [email protected].
Additional Resources and Trainings
The above courses are provided by the Bradley Hospital Learning Exchange. Learn more about these and other learning opportunities we provide.