We are heartbroken by the tragic shooting at Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket. This devastating act of violence struck at the very heart of our hockey community, taking lives and leaving many others injured. The loss and trauma have profoundly impacted the families and loved ones closest to this tragedy, while also rippling outward to teammates, coaches, fans, neighbors, and communities across Rhode Island — a state already grappling with the weight of a second mass shooting in just two months.
The trauma of this violence extends far beyond those directly involved, and we extend our deepest condolences to everyone impacted. We are especially concerned for the many young people who witnessed this horrific act. Exposure to violence can have a profound and lasting impact on youth, affecting their sense of safety, emotional well-being, and development. We are also deeply grateful to the first responders and hold profound concern for those who were first on the scene. Repeated exposure to traumatic events can take a significant emotional and psychological toll, and ensuring that they, too, have access to compassionate, professional support is critical.
Family Service of Rhode Island has been actively coordinating with the City of Pawtucket, the State of Rhode Island, and a broad network of community-based organizations to implement a comprehensive trauma response. Our clinicians and community partners—who are trained in Psychological First Aid—have been mobilized to provide counseling, immediate crisis intervention, and sustained, trauma-informed services to individuals, families, youth, members of the hockey community, and first responders impacted by this tragedy.
In addition, Rhode Island is home to eight Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers (CCBHCs) located across the state. These centers provide comprehensive mental health and substance use treatment services, crisis care, and ongoing support regardless of an individual’s ability to pay. We encourage anyone in need of assistance to reach out to their local CCBHC or community behavioral health provider for immediate and continued support.
We want the community to know: You are not alone. Family Service of Rhode Island stands ready to support every child, family, teammate, and neighbor affected by this devastating violence. Together, through compassion, collaboration, and care, we will support our community’s path toward healing, resilience, and hope.
Margaret Holland McDuff
CEO, Family Service of Rhode Island
Support is available if you need it!
Trauma-informed counseling services are available to support individuals, families, and community members impacted by this tragic event. Our trained clinicians provide compassionate, culturally responsive care focused on safety, stabilization, and healing. Services are designed to help those affected process trauma, manage stress and anxiety, and build coping strategies. Below you can access resources for talking to children about traumatic events: www.familyserviceri.org/crisis-support-request-form
Supportive Resources for Coping
- Coping after Mass Violence
- Parent Guidelines for Helping Youth After Mass Violence
- Talking to Children about Mass Violence
- Talking to Children: When Scary Things Happen (En Espanol)
- Creating Supportive Environments: When Scary Things Happen (En Español)
- Psychological Impact of Mass Violence
- For Teens: Coping After Mass Violence
- College Students: Coping After the Recent Shooting
- Helping Teens with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers (En Español)
- Helping School-Age Children with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers (En Español)
- Helping Young Children with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers (En Español)
- Helping Youth After Community Trauma: Tips for Educators (En Español)
- After a Crisis: Helping Young Children Heal (En Español)
- Age-Related Reactions to a Traumatic Event (En Español; ASL) & Infographic
- Once I Was Very Very Scared – children’s book for young children
- I Don’t Know How to Address Worries About My Child’s Safety at School (webinar)
- After the Injury—website for families with injured children
- Health Care Toolbox—website for pediatric health providers working with injured children
- Supporting Children and Teens Who Experienced Loss During This Holiday Season
- Holidays, Celebration, and Traumatically Bereaved Children (webinar)
- Pause-Reset-Nourish (PRN) to Promote Wellbeing (En Español) (for responders)
