NEW CANAAN, Conn. - Voices of September 11 (VOICES), a non-profit organization founded in the aftermath of the 2001 terrorist attacks, has issued a series of free tip sheets that share lessons learned about providing support and building resilience in times of crisis.

VOICES Coronavirus Response Tip Sheets are available online and can be downloaded at www.voicesofseptember11.org and include advice on Talking to Children About COVID-19; Guidance for Individuals and Families; Understanding Common Reactions to Stressful Situations; Mental Health Considerations; and Mental Health and Medical Resources.

The spread of the coronavirus is the most serious global health threat the world has faced in our lifetime. VOICES is responding by expanding its programs to provide additional support services and access to other resources.

Beyond serious medical concerns, VOICES recognizes that during this stressful time, one’s mental health and wellness could also be in jeopardy, and monitoring the signs and symptoms is critical. People may experience stress, fear, grief, depression and anxiety. Simple steps taken today can make a difference in one’s ability to cope with future coronavirus-related challenges.

“When it comes to maintaining positive mental health and wellness during the current health crisis, there are lessons to be learned by the response to the events of September 11, 2001, another tragedy that had international implications. Back then, families from over 90 countries lost a loved one. Now, the outbreak of the coronavirus has impacted the entire world,” said Mary Fetchet, Founding Director.

“We recognize the importance of early interventions to mitigate what could be long-term mental health consequences of the current global health crisis.

“Our compilation of lessons learned is based on VOICES’ 19 years of experience in providing long-term support services for thousands of victims’ families, survivors, and responders, as well as extensive research that VOICES has conducted following other mass tragedies,” Fetchet said.

About Voices of September 11th

Voices of September 11th (VOICES) is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that was founded in 2001. The organization is led by Founding Director Mary Fetchet, a clinical social worker whose 24-year-old son Brad died in the terrorist attacks in New York City on September 11, 2001.

VOICES mission is to provide long-term support services, resources, and access to mental health care for 9/11 victims' families, responders, and survivors, while leveraging our expertise to assist communities in their response and long-term recovery from acts of terrorism, mass violence, and other tragedies.

Through its partnership with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Trade Center Health Program Centers of Excellence, VOICES assists survivors and responders in accessing treatment from the World Trade Center Health Program for mental health conditions, and life-threatening illnesses due their exposure to toxins in the aftermath of the attacks. VOICES 9/11 Living Memorial commemorates the 2,977 lives lost and documents stories of survivors.

VOICES Center for Resilience, dedicated in the memory of VOICES former Chairman Kurt Wolfgruber, leverages its expertise to assist communities impacted by acts of terrorism, mass violence and other tragedies by sharing lessons learned, conducting research and training. Working with a global network of public-private partnerships, the Center helps communities prepare for and respond to the short and long-term needs of communities impacted by mass trauma, in the United States and abroad.

For more information visit: www.voicesofseptember11.org

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4-2-2020