Vigil and Support for Lewiston, Maine Victims

The Greater Newburyport Women in Action Huddle is holding a vigil tonight, Wednesday, November 1st to remember and support the victims and families of the  Lewiston, Maine mass shooting last week. Mayor Reardon and other local community members will be speaking. The vigil will be at 6:00 p.m. in Market Square, and participants are asked to bring their own illumination.

Many have asked what can be done to support the victims at this time. The State of Maine has set up a page detailing all of the different organizations currently assisting victims and community members in Maine. The Central Maine Medical Center Compassionate Care Fund for Trauma Response and Support has been established to support the community. In addition, the Maine Community Foundation has created the Lewiston-Auburn Area Response Fund to address current and emerging needs associated with this tragedy. The City of Lewiston has established the City of Lewiston Families and Victims Fund, and Lewiston Public Schools has opened a donation portal to support student needs. 

Because this is a time when many are discussing the ongoing mental health issues in our communities, Mayor Reardon wants to remind everyone that there is a behavioral health and suicide hotline available nationwide by phone or text at 988. 988 is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week by trained crisis specialists offering free, confidential support for anyone. Specialists also can respond by chat at 988lifeline.org. Locally, we are advancing a Mental Health Task Force that is currently performing a community mental health assessment. If you are interested in getting involved with this effort, you can learn more here.

Responding to acts of violence requires a community-wide effort, and the City will continue to partner with area stakeholders to move forward to build a safer, stronger community, free of gun violence.