Blog

By Aleta Barnett, Director of Mental Health Equity and Community Engagement, NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania

On January 30, 2025, I officially graduated from the Neighborhood Resilience Project (NRP) Trauma Response Team training. It is both an honor and a privilege to be able to serve the community in this capacity. The NRP Trauma Response Team is deployed to fatal gunshot incidents throughout Allegheny County, where we offer critical resources, a compassionate listening ear, and most importantly, support during such a difficult time.

The training I completed includes the following components:

• Mental Health First Aid
• First Aid/CPR
• Public Safety
• Psychological First Aid
• Mock Drills and Debriefing Techniques

In addition to the team members, a licensed therapist is always present and available to speak with community members who may need additional support. The NRP provides a large, fully-equipped RV that the team uses to travel to the scene. This vehicle not only allows us to prepare for the incident, but also serves as a private, safe space for community members to speak with us if they choose to do so.

Before each deployment, the team is briefed on the details of the incident. Additionally, we take time to pray and offer support to one another before and after each deployment. The team operates with a strategic approach: we move in small groups of two or three individuals, with one member designated as the "spotter" to stay aware of the surroundings, while the others engage with the residents.

On-site, we are equipped with various items carried in backpacks, including the NRP card, which lists a variety of available resources. Additionally, we provide teddy bears to offer comfort to young children who may have been impacted by the incident. During our canvassing efforts, we approach individuals with compassion and respect, never coercing anyone into conversation. Our interactions are always conducted with love, sensitivity, and care. In certain instances, we mobilize other members of the community to offer additional support to the family or families of the victims.

It is unfortunate that such support is necessary. However, until we can put an end to violence and foster healing within our communities, I am grateful that these resources are available to those in need.