The adverse effects of trauma, especially trauma experienced as a child, have long been recognized as negatively affecting a child’s emotional well-being, increasing the likelihood of drug and alcohol use and abuse; school truancy and poor learning habits; and increasing the incidences of depression and anxiety. Researchers have also been able to demonstrate a direct link between trauma and physical well-being. In fact, individuals who experience trauma are more likely to develop high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiac disease and other chronic ailments.
In late 2008, a small group of Health Leadership Fellows were interested in exploring how the
community might develop a trauma-informed system of care. Over time, with the assistance of the Health Foundation, this small group grew into a coalition of individuals from a wide range of organizations that were committed to developing and implementing a Greater Buffalo Trauma-Informed System of Care Community Plan.
Focus Area: Community Health Capacity
Category: Evaluation, Infographic, Report, Toolkit
Date Published: June 1, 2012