UPDATE, April 29, 2026: The Coalition and its partners provided FREE mental health services through “Mental Health Pop-Ups,” scheduled between April 30 and May 7, at the Mall of Louisiana, branches of the East Baton Rouge Parish Library, and community centers. Click here to see that schedule.
CAHS Executive Director Jan Laughinghouse, PhD, LCSW-BACS, LAC, CCS, and Bridge Center for Hope Executive Director Charlotte Claiborne, MBA, have convened the Region 2 Crisis Coalition of behavioral health and healthcare partners to support healing and resilience across the region in the wake of the shooting that occurred April 23 at the Mall of Louisiana.
The Coalition is comprised of representatives of CAHS, the Bridge Center, local hospitals, crisis response providers, and community-based organizations that provide a broad range of behavioral health services.
Coalition members will share information to serve as a central clearinghouse for outreach that could include “pop up” rapid-response mental health and counseling services at various events.
“The emotional and psychological impact of this tragedy reaches far beyond those directly involved. Fear, grief, confusion, and distress are normal responses to an abnormal and traumatic event,” said Dr. Laughinghouse.
Dr. Laughinghouse and Claiborne said the Coalition will work to:
- Provide immediate behavioral health support for victims, families, and community members
- Share accessible crisis resources, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- Deploy community-based support opportunities, including mental health outreach and “pop-up” support events, to begin on Wednesday, April 29.
- Ensure continuity of care through coordination with hospitals and service providers
- Support first responders and healthcare professionals impacted by this tragedy
Click here to read CAHS’ full news release about the Coalition and to get more information.