Family Assistance Education and Research Foundation

We recently conducted training with the Cathay Pacific leadership team. Ensuring preparedness in challenging situations is crucial, and it was great to see the team's engagement and commitment.
Thank you to everyone who participated!

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) empowers people to recognize and respond to signs of mental health or substance use challenges in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Over the last decade, research has shown that improves mental health outcomes in workplaces, schools, and communities across the U.S.
A recent review of 72 peer-reviewed studies (2013–2024) highlights MHFA’s impact, showing improvements in:

𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐲 – Learners better understand signs, symptoms, and available resources.
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐜𝐭 – Participants feel more equipped to support others and apply MHFA skills in real-life situations.
𝐑𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐦𝐚 & 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐲 – Training fosters understanding and helps create more supportive communities.

Studies show that trained individuals are significantly more likely to use MHFA skills in everyday interactions. Read more about it here: https://tinyurl.com/bdd9t5ua

We offer MHFA classes for those interested in learning. For details, email Rosangela Mento Maxwell ([email protected])

The Research-backed Value of Mental Health First Aid Training Over the last decade, extensive research has shown how mental health first aid improves mental health outcomes across the U.S.

Today marks the 36th anniversary of the Pan American Flight 103 tragedy also known as the Lockerbie crash, after the village in Scotland where the aircraft went down. Terrorists bombed the Boeing 747, killing 270 people including 11 villagers struck by debris as the aircraft exploded.
Beth Ann Johnson, a 21-year-old college student at Seton Hill College, was among those who died. Her parents, Glenn and Carole Johnson, are long-term supporters of FAERF and serve on the Advisory Board.
Our Board of Directors and all of our members send our sincerest condolences to Glenn and Carole and all the bereaved families throughout the world on this tragic day of remembrance.

November 23 marks International Survivors of Su***de Loss Day — a day dedicated to those affected by su***de, offering a space for healing, connection and shared understanding. This observance shines a light on the grief experienced by those who have lost a loved one to su***de, providing an opportunity for survivors to come together, reflect and support one another. At FAERF, we stand with survivors and commit to raising awareness about mental health, fostering open conversations, and ensuring that no one feels alone in their journey.

To learn more about mental health and access resources, visit Mental Health First Aid USA: https://tinyurl.com/4d45cbd8

For more information on MHFA internationally see: https://mhfainternational.org/

International Survivors of Su***de Loss Day: A Day for Healing November 23 marks International Survivors of Su***de Loss Day — a day for healing, connection and shared understanding.

October 31, marks a tragic day in aviation history, as three major tragedies occurred on this day:

American Eagle Flight 4184 - Roselawn, Indiana - 68 fatalities - October 31, 1994

EgyptAir Flight 990, Atlantic Ocean - 217 fatalities - October 31, 1999

Singapore Flight 6, Taipei, Taiwan - Survivors 96, 83 fatalities - October 31, 2000

At FAERF we extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of all whose lives were forever changed as a result of the enormous losses.

FAERF Miami Member-Partner Meeting that took place October 23-24, 2024, was a great success!

Join FAERF and Mental Health First Aid USA ( ) on Thursday, October 10, 2024, to celebrate World Mental Health Day by taking action to make mental wellbeing a global priority for all. Here are five tips to help you tend to your mental wellbeing today and every day.

Tip 1: Check in with yourself. How are you? What do you need to do to take care of yourself?

Tip 2: Save these mental health resources for yourself or a loved one when support is needed.

Tip 3: Test your mental health knowledge. Find out how much you really know about mental health and learn something new along the way.

Tip 4: Become a mental wellbeing advocate by raising awareness and supporting mental health causes.

Tip 5: Share your story. Your story can inspire, educate and remind others of the power of support and resilience. Consider using platforms such as blogs, social media or local events to share your insights and experience.

Explore More Tips https://tinyurl.com/5n6sjvk6

Today marks the twenty-third anniversary of the September 11, 2001 tragedy, the deadliest terrorist attacks in human history, causing the deaths of 2,996 people, including 2,977 victims and 19 hijackers who died by su***de.

At FAERF, we remain in communication with many family members whose loved ones died in the tragedies. FAERF's logo pin is named after Flight Attendant Sara Low, who died on American Airlines Flight 11, and is worn by Care and Special Assistance Team members worldwide. Mike Low, Sara's father, donated money to the Foundation to support the research and development of care team programs due to his gratitude for the support from the American Airlines employees. Mike's interview is featured in the 𝑯𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒐𝒇 𝑯𝒖𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒆 (𝐶𝑜𝑎𝑟𝑠𝑒𝑦, 𝐶.𝑉. 2004) (pp 34,134, 283, 353) (book can be found on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Handbook-Human-Services-Response-Practical/dp/0972043918)

FAERF's video 𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑳𝒐𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒔 (https://vimeo.com/611001572/2062b55653) features an interview with Tom Rogér, the father of Jean Rogér, a flight attendant who also died on American Airlines Flight 11. Tom, an architect, shared early drawings of the 9/11 Museum and Memorial, which millions of people have visited since it opened in 2014.

FAERF Institute Advisory Board Member Elizabeth Turner of London, England, whose husband Simon died in the attacks on the World Trade Center, where he was hosting a business conference, will speak at FAERF's London Member-Partner Meeting, December 10-11, 2024 (https://aviemfaf.zohobackstage.com/MemberPartnerMeeting-London-December2024 #/). Elizabeth will be joined by the Police Family Liaison Officer, who assisted her in the aftermath of the tragedy (you can read Elizabeth's story here: https://faerf.org/ww95-august-5-2020-turning-tragedy-into-a-career-of-helping-others/).

At the Foundation, we send our deepest sympathy to these families mentioned and the thousands of others whose lives were forever changed by the tragedy.

Thirty years ago, September 8, 1994, USAir Flight 427 crashed on landing at Pittsburgh, PA, taking the lives of all 132 passengers and crew on board the Boeing 737.

The crash investigation lasted ten years, as investigators struggled to solve the mystery of Flight 427 and another B-737 accident that crashed three years earlier under similar circumstances. United Airlines Flight 585 crashed in Colorado Springs on March 3, 1991, 3 years earlier, killing all 25 on board.

In addition to being the longest investigation the NTSB had conducted, there were other unique accident characteristics. It was the first crash where investigators were forced to wear full-body biohazard suits due to crash conditions, which also resulted in the use of 2000 body bags for the recovery of 6000 recovered human remains.

Many family members participated in interviews with FAERF leadership, providing details about the distress they experienced. Complications in the identification process, the challenges in the return of personal effects, and the years it took to find answers about the cause of the crash added to the tragic losses.

Family survivor Merrilee Morris of Atlanta, GA’s oldest son, Chadwick Ethan Morris, died in the crash. Merrilee appeared on video for training programs, praising the airline for the many things they got right on her family’s behalf despite the enormous loss of her son. In the 𝙃𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙃𝙪𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙎𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙚 (𝘊𝘰𝘢𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘺, 2004), (you can find the book on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Handbook-Human-Services-Response-Practical/dp/0972043918) many of Merrilee’s comments can be read along with the poem she published about the crash site (pp, 69-70,132-149). Merrilee presented her story in many Care Team training classes and received FAERF’s 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 award for her contribution to raising compassion consciousness in the workplace.

On behalf of FAERF's staff and members, we extend our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased passengers and crew members. We also extend sincere gratitude to those who supported and assisted the families and all who participated in the lengthy investigation, difficult recovery, and identification of those aboard the flight.

𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡

Join FAERF and the American Foundation for Su***de Prevention (AFSP) in the fight against su***de. Participate in an 𝐎𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐤 near you or make a direct donation to support AFSP's life-saving work, from scientific research to educational programs, advocacy, and support for those affected by su***de.

Explore upcoming events:

𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭 𝟓, 𝟐 𝐩𝐦 𝐄𝐓: Webinar on Su***de Prevention in the Construction Industry (https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_SbMex3D0TsuZPQbQ84pQXw #/registration)
𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭 𝟖, 𝟗 𝐚𝐦 𝐄𝐓: 988 Day: Raising Awareness for the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline (https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988/newsroom/988-day)
𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭 𝟗, 𝟏 𝐩𝐦 𝐄𝐓: hashtag X Chat on Su***de Prevention (https://x.com/afspnational?lang=en)
𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭 𝟏𝟎, 𝟏𝟐 𝐩𝐦 𝐄𝐓: Congressional Briefing on Maternal Su***de (https://policycentermmh.org/event/congressional-briefing-on-maternal-su***de/)
𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭 𝟏𝟏, 𝟐 𝐩𝐦 𝐄𝐓: Webinar on Emergency Risk Protection Orders (https://jh.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uZ7D-6kpT5Gia77OhJZPgQ #/registration)

Many other events will be taking place throughout the month. Check back for updated information throughout the month on AFSP’s event calendar (https://afsp.org/ -carousel-3-undefined)

***dePrevention

September 2, 1998, marks the 26th anniversary of the crash of Swissair 111, off the coast of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, where all 229 passengers and crew died when the McDonnell Douglas, MD-11 crashed into the Atlantic Ocean. Of the 229 on board the flight, fifty-three passengers were ticketed on Delta, and one of the fourteen crew members was a Delta Air Lines Flight Attendant.

Delta Air Lines led a program at that time, The Atlantic Excellence, of which Swissair, Sabena Airlines, and Austrian Airlines were all members. As part of their code-share agreement, the airlines agreed to assist each other in the event of an accident. In 𝙃𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙤𝙛 𝙃𝙪𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙎𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙚 (Coarsey, 2004, pp. 276-278) (The book can be found on Amazon - https://tinyurl.com/kzjnfka8) FAERF co-founder Jeff Morgan describes the discussion between the leadership team of Swissair and Delta Air Lines as they planned their collaborative response to thousands of family members whose lives were forever altered as a result of the tragedy. As head of emergency management at Delta, Jeff led the response to the families.

The Handbook includes interviews with others associated with the 𝙖𝙘𝙘𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩, including, but not limited to, plaintiff's attorney Mitch Baumeister, Dr. John Butt, medical examiner, and family survivors Judy Wilson and Lanita Hausman. The response to this accident, where Delta Air Lines' Care Team assisted the Swissair team, and employees from Air Canada, and Air Nova also supported families led to the model practiced by FAERF, where formal mutual aid is offered.

Today, and every year, on September 2, all of us at the Foundation hold the families of the passengers and crew, and all the airline employees and responders who served them, in our hearts and pray for their peace of mind.

This summer, we were especially saddened to learn that Margritt Schilling died. During the response, Margritt headed up the Swissair Special Assistance Team and assisted with numerous European accidents after Flight 111. Margritt was a dedicated professional who will forever live in the hearts of all who knew her.

On 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟭𝟰, 𝟮𝟬𝟭𝟯, 𝗨𝗣𝗦 𝗔𝗶𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗙𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝟭𝟯𝟱𝟰 crashed short of the runway at Birmingham–Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) in Birmingham, Alabama. We at FAERF wish to honor the memory of both pilots who died in the crash, Captain Cerea Beal Jr. and First Officer Shanda Fanning.

FAERF Board Member Captain Susan Ryan-Bisig (retired UPS pilot) supported the family of First Officer Shanda Fanning, working along with other Care Team members from the Independent Pilots' Association (IPA) and UPS corporate offices. Looking back on the experience, Capt. Susan said, "It was a privilege and an honor to serve Shanda's family and to be part of what the family referred to as the "Angel Team."

From everyone at FAERF, we extend sincere condolences and best wishes to the families of the pilots, members of the IPA, and everyone at UPS.