When traumatic events occur, know that Your Life Iowa is here for you. We provide a listening ear and connect you to community support. We will walk beside you and help you navigate the aftermath of a crisis you or a loved one has experienced.
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Resources
Natural Disasters
Iowa HHS provides the following resources to assist with the aftermath of natural disasters, including tornadoes and flooding.
- Children and Disasters | SAMHSA Learn about how children and adolescents experience disasters. Learn ways parents and caregivers can help young people cope and develop resilience.
- Have you and and your family been affected by a disaster? | SAMHSA Flyer Children and youth react to disasters differently than adults. Adults need to know what type of reactions to look for and when to seek additional help.
- Tornadoes | Ready.gov Helpful information for before, during and after and Tornado.
- Tornadoes: Before, During and After | CDC Helpful information and resources from the CDC.
- Tornadoes, Hurricanes, and Children | APA Information from the American Psychological Association on children and natural disasters.
- Tornado Resources | NCTSN Helpful information and resources from The National Child Traumatic Stress Network.
- Age-Related Reactions to a Traumatic Event | NCTSN Flyer
- After the Tornado: Helping Young Children Heal | NCTSN Flyer
- For Kids: Tornado Recovery - Right After a Tornado | NCTSN Flyer
- For Kids: Tornado Recovery - Making Things Better | NCTSN Flyer
- For Teachers: Helping Students after a Tornado | NCTSN Flyer
- For Teens: Tornado Recovery - Right After a Tornado | NCTSN Flyer
- For Teens: Tornado Recovery - Making Things Better | NCTSN Flyer
- Parent Guidelines: Helping Children after a Tornado | NCTSN Flyer
- Questions to Ask Your Children about the Tornado | NCTSN Flyer
- Trinka and Sam: The Swirling Twirling Wind This book offers parents and caregivers a way to talk to their children about tornadoes.
- Simple Activities for Children and Adolescents | NCTSN Flyer
- Tips for Parents: Media Coverage of the Tornadoes | NCTSN Flyer
- Tips for Survivors: Coping with Grief after a Disaster or Traumatic Event | SAMHSA Flyer Grief is the normal response of sorrow, heartache, and confusion that comes from losing someone or something important to you. Grief can also be a common human response after a disaster or other traumatic event.
- Survivors of Disasters Resource Portal | SAMHSA Learn about possible reactions to disasters as well as resources for survivors to prepare for and cope with disasters or traumatic events.
- Email/letter template for students and parents Template for educators, healthcare providers and more to share about YLI's free services.
Mass Violence
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services | Iowa Department of Education
Iowa HHS has partnered with the Iowa Department of Education to compile a resource document, which includes helpful resources for families as well as community providers.
- Iowa HHS | Department of Education Resource Flyer
- Email/letter template for students and parents Template for educators, healthcare providers and more to share about YLI's free services.
National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN)
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) is a national resource to help parents and caregivers talk about traumatic events with children and teens.
Help Talking to Children
- Talking to Children: When Scary Things Happen (En Español)
- Parent Guidelines for Helping Youth After Mass Violence (ASL)
- Helping School-Age Children with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers (En Español)
- Helping Young Children with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers (En Español)
- Helping Youth After Community Trauma: Tips for Educators (En Español)
- After a Crisis: Helping Young Children Heal (En Español)
- Age-Related Reactions to a Traumatic Event (En Español; ASL)
- Once I Was Very Very Scared – children’s book for young children
Help Talking to Teens
- For Teens: Coping After Mass Violence (En Español; ASL)
- Helping Teens with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers (En Español)
- Age-Related Reactions to a Traumatic Event (En Español; ASL)
Psychological First Aid
PFA assists children, teens, and adults who have experienced tragedy.
- Psychological First Aid for Schools (PFA-S) - Field Operations Guide
- Providing PFA-S: For Health-Related Professionals - handout
- Providing PFA-S: For Principals and Administrators – handout
- Providing PFA-S: For School Support Staff – handout
- Providing PFA-S: For Teachers - handout
Help for Responders
National Mass Violence Victimization Resource Center
NMVVRC helps communities prepare for and respond to mass violence.
- Coping After Mass Violence (ASL)
- Transcend (mobile app to assist with recovery after mass violence)
- Rebuild your Community: Resources for Community Leaders
- Media Guidelines for Homicide Family Survivors
- Timeline of Activities to Promote Mental Health Recovery
- Self-Help: Resources for Survivors
- E-learning Courses: Trainings for Clinicians
- Resources for Victim Assistance Professionals
Association of State and Territorial Health Officials
ASTHO works to improve the public health of communities.
Iowa PBS
Iowa PBS provides English and Spanish resources to help children understand emergencies.
We provide free, confidential support and connect you with resources. Reach out now for immediate support for yourself or a loved one.
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Want to find help on your own?
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