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Hello Caminar Community,
Tuesday was another grim day in our nation’s history. The horrific, senseless massacre of 19 children and two teachers in Uvalde, Texas, is incomprehensible, wholly unacceptable, and yes, largely preventable or at least reduceable.
The mental health of our country – and our youth and adolescents in particular – has never been so fragile. Yesterday’s school shooting, plus the 26 other school shootings just this year and the countless other acts of gun violence, compound the trauma our youth are exposed to on a regular basis.
No child should have to go to school - what is supposed to be a safe place - and fear for their life. No family member should worry about gun violence when they send their child off to school each day. No parent or guardian should have to bury their child because of senseless acts of violence against innocent children or individuals.
And, it is not enough for public officials to bemoan the tragedy and offer prayers and support for the survivors, parents and communities. They legislate policies that make mass shootings of innocent people possible. We live in a very violent country and as a nation, we must address the policies, beliefs and behaviors that allow that violence to occur.
As I said just last week, in the wake of the Buffalo shooting, please be gentle with yourselves and seek out support if you need it. Thank you for supporting your colleagues, the clients we serve, and our community in this extraordinarily difficult time.
With care and concern,
Mark Cloutier, MPP, MPH
CEO, Caminar
