We offer these resources for all of those in our community who are grieving and beginning the path toward healing from the tragic shooting that took the lives of ten black community members and injured another three at a local supermarket on May 14, 2022.
Statement from Dr. Johnson
May 14, 2022
This afternoon, an armed man entered our community and shattered numerous lives within a few short minutes of terror at a grocery store on Jefferson Avenue, a little more than a mile from our campus.
The families touched most nearly by this senseless act of hate-driven extremism have not only our prayers and support, but our vow to make sure our love and goodness shouts louder than the chaos those few moments created.
Everything that unites us as a Roswell Park community stands in forceful defiance of the hatred and hopelessness that motivated this horrific crime. What brings all of us to Roswell Park — workers, scientists, clinicians, volunteers, patients, caregivers — comes from love, hope, trust, goodness.
What great power those qualities have today, when examples of things that are good and positive and productive and helpful are so deeply needed to counterbalance the effects of this tragedy.
To all of you who are hurting today because of this act, the hearts of your Roswell Park family are enfolding you with support.
This day will change many things for our campus and community, and I want you to know that we will continue to do everything we can to make sure that you are safe as you dedicate your time and talents to be of service to others.
We will find ways to come together and be of service to our community in direct response to this moment of hatred. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to reach out to me, to your colleagues, to our own wellness experts, to make sure that you can feel lifted by the power of the supportive network around you.
With love and support,
President, CEO and M&T Bank Presidential Chair in Leadership
Moment of silence
Additional resources
- Coping with personal trauma
- Your children and trauma
- Assisting Parents/Caregivers in Coping with Collective Traumas
- Racial Injustices and Trauma: African Americans in the US: NCTSN Position Statement
- After a Crisis: Helping Young Children Heal
- Restoring a Sense of Well-Being in Children After a Disaster
- Age-Related Reactions to a Traumatic Event
- Once I Was Very Very Scared – children’s book for young children
- Supporting others through trauma
- New York State Resources and Services for Residents Impacted by the Buffalo Tragedy
- Erie County Resources
- New York State Office of Mental Health
- Hotlines
- NY Project Hope Emotional Support Helpline: 1-844-863-9314
The Emotional Support Line provides free and confidential support, helping callers experiencing increased anxiety due to the coronavirus emergency. - Crisis Text Line: Text GOT5 to 741741
An anonymous texting service available 24/7. Starting a conversation is easy. - SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990
Provides 24/7 crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. - Domestic Violence: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Advocates are available 24/7 to talk to anyone who is experiencing domestic violence, looking for information or questioning unhealthy aspects of their relationship. - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
If your life or someone else's is in imminent danger, please call 911. If you are in crisis and need immediate help, please call.
- NY Project Hope Emotional Support Helpline: 1-844-863-9314
Internal staff resources
The links and resources below are tailored to the staff of Roswell Park.
- Resilience website
- Roswell Park panel discussion
- Employee Assistance Program: Our Employee Assistance Program exists to support employees by providing confidential and free assessment, support and referral services to enrich physical and emotional well-being.
Employees of Roswell Park can find it on our i2 intranet by searching for Employee Assistance Program.