ASPR Deploys Behavioral Health Specialists to Maine in Response to Lewiston Shootings​

Today, the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), deployed a team of behavioral health and emergency management specialists to address the behavioral health impacts of the mass shootings in Lewiston, Maine.

“Behavioral health support is critical to help communities process trauma and begin to heal,” said Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Dawn O’Connell. “Our team members have extensive experience aiding communities after mass violence incidents and ASPR will do all we can to assist Maine during this difficult time.” 

Working in close coordination with Maine health officials, the five-member team will assist in the development and implementation of a behavioral health response plan, advise state authorities on trauma-informed public messaging, create an inventory of resources available to state health authorities, and train Maine clinicians on behavioral health interventions.

“Federal personnel and Public Health Service officers are trained and ready to respond to humanitarian missions and public health crises,” said Assistant Secretary for Health Adm Rachel Levine. “I hope the team is able to offer comfort and support to the community while working to build a future where we no longer have gun violence.” 

The deployed personnel include four disaster behavioral health experts, three of whom are Public Health Service officers, and one regional emergency coordinator. Additional experts from the National Disaster Medical System’s Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team are on call to provide state officials technical assistance and consultation if needed. 

ASPR is working closely with Maine health authorities and emergency response officials to determine future needs. Additional information about ASPR response operations can be found at aspr.hhs.gov.

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