FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
09/30/2025
Genesee Health System Offers Mental Health Support and Tips During Crisis
GENESEE COUNTY, MI – Genesee Health System (GHS) is here for our Genesee County families and community during this difficult time as we all support and take care of each other in the coming days for all those impacted by the tragedy that occurred at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims, the LDS Church members, the first responders on scene, and our community as a whole,“ said GHS Chief Executive Officer Danis Russell. “This is a very difficult time, and we should remember to take care of ourselves and each other in the coming days. Reach out if you are struggling; reach out to others if you see them struggling. The only way through something like this is together.”
Mental Health Support
Individuals experiencing a mental health crisis can call Genesee Health System at (810) 257-3740 or text GHS to WEGOTU (934688) 24/7 for free behavioral health crisis triage, support, resources, and referral to local services.
Tips for Adults:
- Everyone experiences events and trauma in different ways, and however they think or feel after an event like this is okay. Some people respond with fear, others with anger, and some with shock, sadness, and so on. Encourage people to share their thoughts and feelings. Seek support from friends, family, or professionals if necessary.
- Try to get back to routines and schedules to promote feelings of consistency and balance to reduce fear and provide a sense of returning control and predictability.
- Be mindful to consider the amount of exposure to the news/media, particularly to children. It is okay to keep updated, but continuing to view the images, etc., will worsen and prolong the issues the person is experiencing.
Tips for Parents:
- Acknowledge what happened. If your child is talking or asking about traumatic events, it is important for the caregivers / loved ones in their life to acknowledge what happened, provide age-appropriate information, and be supportive.
- Parents may want to approach older children who may have seen the news or videos on social media and find out what they know and what their thoughts/feelings are about what happened.
- Recognize the effect this has on your child. Talk to your child about their thoughts and emotions related to the event and validate their feelings and concerns. With mass shootings in public places and places of worship, this is a valid concern for them, and all adults need to take their viewpoint and concerns into consideration.
- Help your child to feel safe. A sense of normalcy and routine as soon as possible after an event helps to re-establish a child’s sense of safety and structure. Discuss the positive aspects that can be found in tragic events, such as the swift police response, and how community members and citizens across the country are coming together to support those affected
Incidents like this can have a profound emotional impact on both those directly involved and the broader community. GHS remains committed to supporting the mental health and emotional well-being of individuals and families during times of crisis. We will get through this together. Help is Here.
For questions, please contact GHS Communications at 810-424-6090 or GHScommunications@genhs.org.
Learn more about Genesee Health System at genhs.org. Genesee Health System provides services and support for individuals in Genesee County with mental health and/or substance use disorder treatment, intellectual disabilities, and primary health care needs.
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