Developing strong school mental health systems shouldn't fall solely on the shoulders of K-12 schools. Partnerships with colleges and universities play a critical role in building robust support systems. These institutions contribute by expanding the mental health workforce, offering professional development, providing services through trainee placements, and driving research to enhance program quality. Collaborating with colleges helps schools access additional resources, expertise, and innovative solutions, ultimately benefiting students, families, and the broader community.

Following a crisis like a school shooting, students and community members in the surrounding area are likely to experience a trauma response.  Students in surrounding communities may experience vicarious trauma or secondary traumatic stress.  Although their healing journeys may look different, this guide provides lessons learned from previous school shootings, strategies teachers can use to discuss these events, and shares strategies and resources that can be used to help students cope with their trauma response.