Trauma Informed Care

You Can Make a Difference!

Post written by Becky King, Missouri CAN Training Manager 

Check out this blog post packed with information and resources to aid you in becoming trauma-informed. You’ll gain an understanding on the impacts of trauma to mental and physical health, develop a sense of the precautions needed when interacting with trauma exposed individuals, and be provided additional resources for further learning: 

Trauma – the word itself probably evokes a vision in your mind. Either personally or through association many of us have experience with trauma. According to Dr. Patsy Carter at the Missouri Department of Mental Health, 50% of the general population have experienced one traumatic event, while 25% of the population have experienced at least two.20160804 (1)

These events may have happened in childhood, often referred to as an adverse childhood event (ACE), or as an adult. Regardless, there is a high correlation of poor health and social outcomes linked to a life of trauma. Dr. Nadine Burke Harris explores more about how an ACE influences life into adulthood through her TED Talk available here:

With the negative effects known, how can individuals impacted by trauma be helped? There is hope! Trauma does not have to be a permanent sentence of a life full of sadness or frustrations. Trauma-informed systems of care bring service to those in need through a delivery system focused on understanding and knowledge. As explained by the Trauma Healing and Recovery Institute each person that has experienced trauma THRIVES if provided with services that follow universal precautions:

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What can you do to make a difference? By seeking out further information, you can become a trauma-informed individual and easily bring that into your work environment. By simply refining your approach to people and situations through knowledge development, you have the opportunity to improve the lives of others.

Start your education today by checking out some of these resources:

·      +  Trauma Healing & Recovery Institute

·       + Missouri Department of Mental Health

·       +  Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Posted in Advocacy.