Forum Post: Front line mental health team for May in Chicago

Hi,

I am travelling down from Toronto in May and have been thinking of ways I could be useful when I arrive. I have been discussing with the resist the g8/nato affinity group in Minneapolis the possibility of setting up a mental health team to work alongside the medics in May. These people could help de-escalate the shock and trauma some people will suffer when witnessing or suffering any possible violence or arrests. I would like to try and organise or become involved with a collection of people who could arrive arrive wearing identifiable medical attire or suchlike but, unlike most medic crews who provide first aid, be there to calm and adhere to the mental trauma that people will be going through. One of the things we're most concerned about is hyperventilation, because it is both a medical and mental condition. Most with mental health training will also possess CPR training and can assist at eyewash stations and such too.

I am not sure who to get in touch with to try and organise this but any help you could give me would be greatly appreciated.

In Solidarity.