Resources

Resources

 

Resources for Everyone

Stay Strong Boston offers a free, anonymous mental health assessment, information about coping with stress after a disaster, and guidance about treatment resources. 

 

Books about coping with tragedies in general and about the Marathon bombing specifically can be helpful healing tools for adults and children.

 

The Newton Free Library has compiled extensive book lists about emotional well-being, the resilience of crisis survivors, and the value of volunteerism in the healing process.  Access the library guide here.

 

The Boston Public Health Commission has created tip sheets for those coping with the first anniversary of the Marathon bombing:

Tips for Adults Coping with Tragedy

Tips for Anniversaries of Difficult Events

 

The National Library of Medicine outlines several types of resources to help those coping with tragedies, including the following:

Disaster Information Management Resource Center
Coping with Disaster, Violence and Traumatic Events
Disaster Apps and Mobile Optimized Web Pages

Topics from MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine) for the general public:
Coping with Disasters
Disaster Preparation and Recovery
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

MedlinePlus en español
Enfrentarse con desastres
Preparativos y recuperación ante un desastre
Trastorno de estrés postraumático

 

Several books about the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombing have recently been published.  These books are both inspirational and emotional. Some may find them difficult to read, while others will find comfort in their stories of courage and hope. Here are a few you may want to check out:

Stronger. Bauman, Jeff. New York: Grand Central Publishing, April 2014. Jeff Bauman’s indomitable spirit is evident in this story of the bombing, his rehabilitation, and the courage of other survivors.

If Not for the Perfect Stranger: Heartwarming and Healing Stories of Kindness from the 2013 Boston Marathon. Bruschi, Tedy and Jack Fultz. Diane Montiel and Steve Alexander, Eds. Chicago: Bantry Bay Publishing, 2014. This book tells the stories of several "perfect strangers" who helped those most in need on April 15, 2013.

The 27th Mile: Going the Extra Mile to Support the Victims of The Boston Marathon Bombing. Charbonneau, Ray. Charleston, SC: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2013. This collection of writings from local runners seeks to capture the spirit of marathon athletes and explore why they run.

Long Mile Home: Boston Under Attack, the City’s Courageous Recovery and the Epic Hunt for Justice. Helman, Scott and Jenna Russell. New York: Dutton, Apr. 2014. Boston Globe journalists write about the bombing, subsequent manhunt, and courageous spirit of the people that are Boston.

4:09:43: Boston 2013 Through the Eyes of the Runners. Higdon, Hal. Human Kinetics, 2014. This book tells the story of the 117th Boston Marathon, both before and after the explosions, through the eyes of several runners competing in the race.

Twice as Strong: 12 Seconds, 2 Brothers and the Marathon that Changed Their Lives.  Norden, Paul, JP Norden, and Dave Smitherman. Alexandria, VA:  Palari Publishing, 2014. A first-hand account of recovery and determination by two brothers whose lives changed forever after the second explosion at the Boston Marathon bombing.

The Heart of This City: Boston Strong and Becoming Stronger. Lundberg, Daniel, ed. This book features contributions from marathon survivors, professors, organizations, and city officers, and it highlight the social justice initiatives that make up the heart of Boston and channel the Boston Strong energy toward them.

 

Resources for Survivors

A year later, survivors, witnesses, first responders, and their loved ones are still dealing with the emotional, physical, and financial effects of the bombings. The websites below outline some of the resources available to those who need them. 

Boston Public Health Commission 
The Boston Public Health Commission's Trauma Response and Recovery resources provide a useful directory of local trauma-related services, and brochures in a number of languages.

Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance
MOVA has a variety of resources available to survivors of the marathon bombing, including emotional support services, financial resources, and resiliency forums to learn about relevant topics and connect with other survivors.

Resource and Recovery Guide
This guide from the Boston Public Health Commission outlines several types of services available to marathon bombing survivors, including medical assistance, emotional support, resources for home modification, and more.