Flying the Plane While Building It: Creating a Trauma-Informed Community
Elijah Jones, MSW, LISW-S & Adrienne Elhai, PhD | September 24 | 3:15-4:15 PM
Topic: Direct Service, Programming | Knowledge Level: Intermediate
At least 15% of adults in Lucas County have experienced four or more Adverse Childhood Experiences with rates up to 18% and 27% for African Americans and Latinos respectively (Lucas County Health Assessment, 2021). The Adverse Childhood Experience study, originally done by Kaiser Permanente in the 1990s, has led to numerous studies on the topic; however, information on the impact and prevalence of trauma is not enough to help people know what to do about trauma (Leitch, 2017). Formed in 2015, the Lucas County Trauma-Informed Care Coalition started to increase awareness of trauma informed care. The coalition has continued to meet, network, educate, and reduce barriers to accessing trauma informed resources, yet the work has not stopped with the coalition. Through the work of Dr. Adrienne Elhai and a planning team as part of a grant received from the National Childhood Traumatic Stress Network, a cross-sectional group of Lucas County leaders was brought together in August 2019 to view Resilience: The Biology of Stress & the Science of Hope (KPJR Films, 2016). This event began the work of the Lucas County Leaders for a trauma-informed community. The workshop will describe the documented efforts that have been underway to create a more trauma informed community. By building on the work of individuals and organizations, this group uses data, collaboration, and peer groups to educate, support, and work on actionable goals towards being more trauma informed.
Presentation Objectives:
· Define trauma-informed community
· Articulate the importance of becoming a trauma-informed community
· Identify steps Lucas County has taken to become a trauma-informed community