Spartan Strong: Supporting the MSU Community in the Aftermath of the Campus Shooting
Tuesday, February 14, 2023
The social work community is saddened and horrified hearing of the news out of Michigan State University last night. As of this morning, we know that three students were killed and five more critically injured. The Chapter extends its condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the shootings, as well as to the staff and administration of MSU. NASW-Michigan has been in contact with the Governor’s office, Representative Dievendorf, and with the Michigan State University School of Social Work, and will keep social workers updated as local services or resources are needed.
Michigan State University's Counseling and Psychiatric Services are teaming up with local providers to offer counseling to students in need starting at 8 a.m. local time on February 14, 2023. Counselors will be available at the Hannah Community Center located at 819 Abbot Rd., East Lansing, MI 48823.
The university's Counseling and Psychiatric Services also have crisis counselors available 24/7 at (517) 355-8270.
Please find some resources below on how you can support your community in the aftermath of a shooting. If you are aware of any local resources or ways to support, please email dbreijak.naswmi@socialworkers.org or share them on the NASW-Michigan pinned Facebook post (we will continue to update our webpage as resources and events come in).
Over the coming weeks, NASW-Michigan will continue to work with our community and legislative partners to pass root cause solutions and common sense gun violence prevention policies to keep Michigan communities safe.
MSU Available Resources (As sent by the MSU Social Work Field Education Team):
- MSU Counseling and Psychiatric Services, or CAPS, is partnering with local providers to offer counseling to students in need starting at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14. Counselors will be available at the Hannah Community Center located at 819 Abbot Rd, East Lansing, MI 48823.
- MSU Emergency Updates
- MSU Trauma Services and Training Network Trauma Informed Champions Resources
- Community Mental Health at 517-346-8460
- Disaster Distress Helpline available 24/7 at 800-985-5990
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline available 24/7 at 800-273-8255
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) warmline – operates 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. at 888-733-7753
- Intended to serve individuals living with persistent mental health challenges including anxiety, depression, and trauma
Other Community Resources:
Coping Skills and Mindfulness Exercises to Practice on your Own:
Psychological First Aid
The NCTSN also has resources for responders on Psychological First Aid (PFA
; En Español
). PFA is an early intervention to support children, adolescents, adults, and families impacted by these types of events. PFA Mobile
and the PFA Wallet Card (
En Español)
provide a quick reminder of the
core actions. The PFA online training course
is also available on the NCTSN Learning Center. PFA Handouts include:
Additional PFA resources for schools include:
From the National Mass Violence and Victimization Resource Center & Partners
Statement from Governor Gretchen Whitmer
“Our Spartan community and Michiganders across the state are devastated. MSU’s campus is a special place for so many, and it is now the site of another senseless act of gun violence. Parents across Michigan were on pins and needles calling their kids to check in on them and tell them they love them. It doesn’t have to be this way.
Certain places are supposed to be about community, learning, or joy—elementary schools and college campuses, movie theaters and dance halls, grocery stores and workplaces. They should not be the sites of bloodshed. This is a uniquely American problem. Too many of us scan rooms for exits when we enter them. We plan who that last text or call would go to. We should not, we cannot, accept living like this.
I want to thank the first responders for their swift actions on the ground tonight and the medical professionals who are working to save lives.
Spartans will cry and hold each other a little closer. We will mourn the loss of beautiful souls and pray for those fighting for their lives in the hospital.”
Statement from Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel
“As a parent, there is no greater fear than having your child tell you there is an active shooter at their school. I experienced this terror along with thousands of other MSU families last night. While my Spartan sons are safe, I am mourning the devastating loss and senseless violence. The events at Michigan State University are a tragedy for the entire state of Michigan. My thoughts are with the victims, their families, friends, and loved ones.
I want to thank everyone in law enforcement who worked to secure the campus and protect the community. I am hopeful that the investigation reveals how we can better protect our children, our neighbors, and all those who call Michigan home.”
Statement from Senator Debbie Stabenow
“Once again, gun violence has touched a Michigan community. I am grieving for my fellow Spartans today – for the lives lost, the injured, and all of the students, parents, MSU employees, and local residents who will be living with fear for a long time to come. I am grateful too for the first responders who put their own lives on the line to keep people safe.
Spartans are strong and resilient – I know that the university and community will come together and get through this. I’m so incredibly sad and angry that they have to.”
Statement from U.S. Representative Elissa Slotkin
“I am filled with rage that we have to have another press conference to talk about our children being killed in their schools,” Slotkin said. " I would say that you either care about protecting kids or you don’t. You either care about having an open honest conversation about what is going on in our society, or you don’t. But please don’t tell me you care about the safety of children. If you’re not willing to have a conversation about keeping them safe in a place that should be a sanctuary.”
Statement from American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten and AFT Michigan President David Hecker
“Our hearts go out to the victims, families, and the entire Michigan State University community. Our college campuses and schools should be safe from senseless gun violence. The tragedy at Michigan State demands immediate action from our state and federal lawmakers. We cannot become numb and accept this violence as normal. We cannot allow politics to hold us back from acting. Too many lives have been taken because of gun violence and too little has been done. Our elected officials need to act and push through common sense gun violence prevention legislation that will save lives.”
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