Dear John,
With the unprecedented spread of COVID-19, we recognize that we are all living in a scary and uncertain time.
As the nation’s oldest gun violence prevention organization, founded in 1974, we have experienced some of the lowest points of history -- from natural disasters, to acts of terror, to periods of economic recession, and the thousands of people killed in shootings across the country every year. Now, we are facing the spread of coronavirus.
What is happening is serious and tragic. But we will get through this. As a country, as an organization, and as individuals, we have survived a lot, and we will continue to work together and support each other during these difficult times!
If you or a loved one is in need of mental health resources during this trying time, we recommend reaching out to the following organizations:
Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Spanish): 1-888-628-9454
Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Hearing Loss): 1- 800-799-4889
Suicide Prevention Lifeline Chat
Crisis Text Line: Text 741741
Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860
Trevor Lifeline (for LGBTQ youth): 1-866-488-7386
Trevor Text: Text START to 678678
Veterans and Service Members Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255, Press 1
Veterans and Service Members Text Line: Text to 838255
Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) -- available 24/7 in English and Spanish.
National Sexual Assault Hotline - 800-656-HOPE (4673)
The National Domestic Violence Hotline - 1-800-799-7233
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Crisis Text Line - Text NAMI to 741741
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) - online support groups
The American Association of Suicidology’s directory of accredited crisis centers across the country
CDC - COVID-19: Manage Anxiety and Stress
Mental Health America - Mental Health and COVID-19 – Information and Resources
We know that our work does not end even when the public focus is not on gun violence. We will continue to do what we can to protect American lives from the scourge of firearm suicide, mass shootings, domestic violence, community violence, and unintentional firearm injuries. We will persist in our efforts to make gun violence rare and abnormal.
Our team wants to thank you for all that you do to keep us moving forward, especially as we face this growing pandemic. At the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence (CSGV) and Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence (Ed Fund), your support has always been a source of strength for us. We hope that, during this difficult time, we can be a source of strength for you.
Stay safe, stay healthy, and take care of each other.
Warm regards,
Your friends at CSGV and the Ed Fund
P.S. For updates on our work and additional resources, remember to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: CSGV Facebook, CSGV Twitter, Ed Fund Twitter, CSGV Instagram
