The Mental Health Response to Mass Firearm Violence Task Force, on Chicago’s North Side, which includes staff members from Lutheran Social Service of Illinois’ (LSSI) Behavioral Health Services, recently held a memorial honoring the victims of the July 2, 2025, mass shooting in the River North neighborhood.
At the event, a victim’s family member shared her sense of loss. There was a moment of silence and reflection honoring the four people who lost their lives that night, and balloons were released in their memory.
Following the 2025 shooting, the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Mental Health and Office of Firearm Violence Prevention collaborated with the Institute for Healthcare Delivery Design at the University of Illinois Chicago to develop a statewide plan addressing the mental health impacts of mass firearm violence. The resulting mental health response task force brings together gun violence prevention organizations, community mental health providers —including LSSI’s Mobile Crisis Team—and state and local government agencies. The goal: to help individuals, families, and communities heal from trauma following a mass gunfire incident.
Research indicates that acknowledging significant anniversaries is especially important to those affected by gun violence because it recognizes the lasting impact of these events while reaffirming a community’s commitment to healing, prevention, and support. For many families and survivors, these anniversaries are not only opportunities to remember those who were lost, but also reminders that support remains available once media attention has faded.
“Task force member organizations provide crisis services such as medical and mental health care, and leave contact information, so people know where to turn if they need support later, such as temporary housing, help replacing damaged property, and covering out-of-pocket costs such as lost wages and legal fees directly related to the crime,” said Tanya Fisher, LSSI’s Outreach and Education Manager.
Typically notified directly by law enforcement, LSSI’s Mobile Crisis Team or one of the other task force providers made up of specially trained staff, are available 24/7 to respond to acute mental health crises once the scene is secured, canvassing the surrounding area to provide immediate support, advocacy, and practical assistance to victims, their families, witnesses, and others who may have been impacted. The LSSI team responds within a designated geographic area on Chicago’s North and Northwest sides.
Commemorations such as the July 2 one provide an opportunity to raise awareness about safe firearm storage and to remind the community of available prevention, mental health, and victim support resources.
“Sometimes, the emotional and psychological impact emerges days or even weeks later, after life has seemingly returned to normal,” said Fisher. That’s when the task force response members have been especially valuable. We’re already in the community; people know us and trust us.”
(caption): Tanya Fisher, LSSI’s Outreach and Education Manager, back row right, in black shirt, and members of the task force and family members of victims.
