Newtown, CT — Over the last two weeks, three survivors of school shootings tragically died by suicide, including Jeremy Richman, father of Avielle who was killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy on Dec., 14, 2012.
In response to this tragic news, Sandy Hook Promise issued the following statement:
“There are no words to express the pain we feel for the loss of precious life. Jeremy Richman was a beloved Newtown community member and celebrated neuroscientist who was doing amazing work leading The Avielle Foundation to research brain health, prevent violence, and build compassion. We urge everyone to learn about his work at www.aviellefoundation.org and support its ongoing mission.
“We believe all of Newtown will feel the loss of Jeremy and our hearts are with his family and friends.
“The traumatic events of the past week in the Newtown and Parkland communities have shown the lasting, often forgotten lifelong impact of these traumatic events on survivors — parents, grandparents, siblings, communities. We need profound change: in how we relate to and take care of one another, the mental wellness services we provide to survivors, victims, and impacted community members, and in the legislation that supports our schools’ ability to educate the next generation to recognize the warning signs of suicide.”
With love,
The staff and families of Sandy Hook Promise
If you or someone you know needs help, you can reach the Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, or the Crisis Text Line by texting “Hello” to 741-741, twenty-four hours a day, 7 days a week.
Further suicide prevention resources can be found here:
Newtown Center for Support and Wellness
203.270.4612 | newtowncsw.org
Newtown Youth and Family Services
203.270.4335 | www.newtownyouthandfamilyservices.org
Resiliency Center of Newtown
203.364.9750 | resiliencycenterofnewtown.org
First Responders: Behavioral Health Consultants
800.864.2742
About Sandy Hook Promise: Sandy Hook Promise (SHP) is a national nonprofit organization based in Newtown, Connecticut. SHP is led by several family members whose loved ones were killed in the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012. SHP’s mission is to prevent gun
violence and other forms of violence and victimization BEFORE they happen by creating a culture of engaged youth and adults committed to identifying, intervening, and getting help for individuals who might be at risk of hurting themselves or others. SHP is a moderate, above-the-politics organization that supports sensible program and policy solutions that address the “human-side” of gun violence by preventing individuals from ever getting to the point of picking up a firearm to hurt themselves or others. Our words, actions and impact nationwide are intended to honor all victims of gun violence by turning our tragedy into a moment of transformation. For more information, visit www.sandyhookpromise.org or call 203-304-9780.
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Media Contact: Dini von Mueffling Communications Stephanie Morris: [email protected] | 646-650-5005