Next Meeting!
We're in the early stages of the creation of a Trauma Informed Care Network in Southside to promote trauma awareness, prevention of adverse childhood experiences, and community resilience.
All community members – parents, caregivers, educators, healthcare providers, faith groups, recreational sports networks – everyone interested interested in the health and wellness of Brunswick, Halifax and Mecklenburg counties – are invited to our first meeting:
Wednesday, Feb. 16, noon-2 p.m.
Brunswick County Library
133 Hicks St.
Lawrenceville, VA 23868
Boxed lunch provided.
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Learn More!
Dr. Mary Crowder of Lunenburg County Public Schools explains why it's important to be trauma informed and to implement trauma-informed techniques and practices in our approach to others.
Her talk during our Jan. 19 meeting brings all the pieces together – how childhood trauma affects adult outcomes, statistics on the frequency of Adverse Childhood Experiences, and the lifelong impact of trauma on mental and physical health.
What does it mean to be trauma-informed?
Traumatic experiences can have lifelong effects on an individual's mental and physical health. These events may be singular or multiple incidents, and they often include betrayal by a trusted person or institution and the loss of safety.
Trauma-informed care is an approach to engaging people with histories of trauma that recognizes the presence of trauma symptoms and acknowledges the role that trauma has played in their lives.
According to SAMHSA's National Center for Trauma-Informed Care, trauma-informed care involves:
- Realizing the widespread impact of trauma and understanding paths for recovery;
- Recognizing the signs and symptoms of trauma in patients, families, and staff;
- Integrating knowledge about trauma into policies, procedures, and practices; and
- Actively avoiding re-traumatization.
– Sources: traumainformedcare.chcs.org, dbhds.virginia.gov
More resources: