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Suhas Subramanyam shares mental health resources after DCA tragedy
"The DCA tragedy has deeply affected our community, especially the families and friends of those we lost," the Indian American lawmaker said in a post on X.
Virginia State Senator Suhas Subramanyam / Wikipedia
In the aftermath of the devastating mid-air collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Virginia State Senator Suhas Subramanyam shared a compilation of federal and local mental health resources to support those affected.
"The DCA tragedy has deeply affected our community, especially the families and friends of those we lost," Subramanyam said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
The DCA tragedy has deeply affected our community, especially the families and friends of those we lost.
— Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) (@RepSuhas) February 1, 2025
If you are struggling or need mental health support, my office has compiled these federal and local resources to help in this difficult time. https://t.co/Dhun6l1PCP
The collision occurred on the night of Jan.29, when an American Airlines passenger jet carrying 64 people and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter with three soldiers on board crashed into the Potomac River. The accident has left the community reeling, with grief and shock spreading across the region. Among those dead, were two of Indian-origin.
Authorities, emergency responders, and organizations such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the American Red Cross have mobilized efforts to support survivors, families of victims, first responders, and community members grappling with the psychological impact of the disaster.
Mental Health Support Resources
Subramanyam’s post linked to SAMHSA’s disaster response and recovery materials, which provide guidance on managing stress, coping with grief, and recognizing signs of trauma. The resources include:
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Coping with anger and grief after a disaster: Guidance on emotional reactions and strategies to navigate overwhelming feelings.
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Managing stress after a disaster: Tips for recognizing stress symptoms and seeking professional support.
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Psychological First Aid (PFA): Tools for adults, caregivers, and educators to help children and adolescents process traumatic events.
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Be Red Cross Ready: A guide to emotional well-being following a crisis, available in multiple languages.
For children, youth, and caregivers, SAMHSA and the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) provide age-appropriate resources to help young individuals cope with loss and traumatic grief. These include fact sheets on how children may experience and express grief, strategies for parents and educators to offer support, and a resource portal for survivors of disasters.
Resources for First Responders
First responders who played a crucial role in the emergency response at DCA also have access to targeted support. Resources include:
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A Guide to managing stress for disaster responders: A SAMHSA guide addressing mental health challenges among emergency personnel.
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Substance use support for first responders: Information on recognizing and addressing substance use issues that may arise from disaster-related stress.
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SAMHSA behavioral health disaster response app: A mobile tool for disaster responders to access mental health and substance use support.
Emergency Helplines
For immediate crisis support, individuals can reach out to:
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SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 (available 24/7, multilingual support)
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988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call 988 for free and confidential mental health assistance.
Local Community Support
Loudoun County Public Schools has also provided assistance to students and families affected by the tragedy. Families in need of support can contact SMHSleadershipteam@lcps.org, with a team member reaching out within 24 hours. For staff, the AllOne Health Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free and confidential mental health support 24/7 at 1-800-327-7272.
As investigations continue into the cause of the collision, community leaders emphasize the importance of emotional healing and mental well-being. Subramanyam’s proactive approach to sharing resources underscores the need for collective support as the community grieves the loss of life in this unprecedented tragedy.
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