Coming Together in Times of Tragedy

When tragedy touches our community, its impact extends far beyond those directly affected.

Grief, fear, sadness, anger, and uncertainty are natural responses, and everyone experiences and processes these events differently.

Erie County is fortunate to have a community rich with compassionate people, dedicated professionals, and organizations ready to help. We gathered the following resources to offer support, encourage healing, and help individuals, families, and professionals navigate difficult times.

No one has to navigate tragedy alone.

Together, we can support one another and strengthen the resilience of our community.

Tragic Event
Resources

Immediate support can reduce trauma responses and help restore a sense of safety again.

Not everyone who experiences or hears about tragic events, including acts of community violence or school shootings, will be traumatized by the event; however, everyone can benefit from swift action to help acknowledge what happened and be a source of comfort, support, and safety.

On this page you will find resources from many reputable organizations.

ECTIC will update the page with additional local resources when they are available.

Crisis and Community Support

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988 for confidential emotional support 24/7

Disaster Distress Helpline

Call or text 800-985-5990 for emotional support following traumatic community events.

Safe Harbor Behavioral Health of UPMC Hamot

has a hotline and crisis response available

24 hours a day/ 7 days a week.

Call 814-456-2014

Local Hospital Emergency Room

Psychiatric Evaluation

LECOM Medical Center and

Behavioral Health Pavilion (Children and Adults)

St. Vincent Hospital (Adults only)

Local Support for Victims, Survivors & Families

Crime Victim Center of Erie County

24/7 hotline 814-455-9414

Free, confidential support to individuals and families affected by violence and crime, including homicide, assault, sexual violence, and other traumatic experiences. Services include crisis intervention, individual and group counseling, victim advocacy, assistance navigating the criminal justice system, and support accessing victim compensation. Services are available to victims, witnesses, and affected loved ones.

SafeNet Erie

24/7 hotline: 814-454-8161

Free, confidential domestic violence services including safety planning, emergency shelter, counseling, crisis support, and legal advocacy.

Safe Journey Erie County

24/7 hotline: 814-438-2675

Free domestic violence services, counseling, safety planning, legal advocacy, and support for children and families, particularly in rural Erie County.

Need Help? Don't know where to turn?

Simply dial 211 and talk with a trained caring resource navigator who can assist you with access to programs that can help you! *Note this resource is for non-emergency health, human and social services.

Free, easy, and confidential.

Ways to access PA 211 Northwest

PA211NW.org

Dial 2-1-1

Text your need and zip code to 898-211