Psychiatric News November 1, 2002
Volume 37 Number 21
© 2002 American Psychiatric Association
p. 12
Sniper Attacks Prompt SAMHSA To Offer Grants to MH Agencies
The federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced last month that it will provide $250,000 in grants to local mental health agencies in Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland to assist people affected by the sniper attacks.
At least nine people had been killed and two others were wounded by mid-October in a random shooting spree across the three jurisdictions that make up the Washington metropolitan area.
Tommy Thompson, secretary of Health and Human Services, said in a press release, "We are making these resources available to help identify and meet the overwhelming human need for counseling, support, and recovery in the wake of the tragedy brought on by this murderer."
SAMHSA will also provide immediate and long-term assistance to support state and local efforts to work with schools and community organizations to reduce the traumatic sequelae of the shootings.
SAMHSA will mobilize the National Center for Child Traumatic Stress and the Safe Schools/Healthy Students Action Center, which it funds, according to the press release.
These centers will help children who are experiencing PTSD symptoms and provide teachers, students, and school administrators with written materials, Web-based information, and connections to local resources.
The press release from the Department of Health and Human Services and related information are posted on the Web at www.hhs.gov/news. 
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