Access to important victim/survivor and behavioral/mental health services in the aftermath of mass violence incidents (MVIs) can be hindered by a lack of cultural competency, and failing to plan for the diverse needs of impacted survivors and communities. “Cultural considerations” require paying attention to and planning for MVI survivor services that recognize and validate diversity on a broad range of factors, including but not limited to culture, race, ethnicity, religion/faith, gender, age, geographic location (encompassing highly urban and rural/ remote/Tribal/frontier jurisdictions), and people with disabilities. This National Town Hall will address the importance of allyship; and evidence-based practices and “lessons learned” from national experts, including leaders in MVI-impacted communities with culturally-diverse populations.
As a result of participating in this National Town Hall, attendees will be able to—
- Identify barriers among diverse populations and communities to accessing quality victim/survivor and behavioral/mental health services in the aftermath of an MVI.
- Describe the importance and value of cultural competency in mass violence preparation, response, recovery and resiliency activities.
- Identify and learn how to integrate the critical role of credible messengers and trusted partners who are aligned with diverse communities into these activities.
- Acquire information about allyship, best practices and “lessons learned” from national experts, and leaders in diverse communities that have experienced a mass violence incident.