I have been extremely pleased to hear and see that so many of our systems have started thinking globally about trauma-informed care. Our federal government has issued a resolution to declare that government staff need to be trauma-informed. Our schools are moving towards a trauma-informed training agenda in many states, including our state of Pennsylvania.
The latest opioid legislation in Washington has a large trauma-informed component to acknowledge that a significant part of the opioid problem is related to the trauma narratives of those who are addicted. I am receiving phone calls from many different organizations, counties and even some countries who are dealing with significant trauma within their sphere of influence like refugee workers dealing with thousands of refugee children that need training.
As difficult as these problems are we are certainly on the brink of a global movement for trauma-informed care for those who have experienced the anguish of traumatic events in their lives. We know that 47% of children have had at least one adverse childhood experience
which has affected their capability to cope with life’s challenges.
It is incredibly significant for us to provide to those who are working with these populations the comprehensive training they need in order to deal with the complex and pervasive adversities of trauma. Those affected can be confronted with numerous daily challenges.
That is why we at Lakeside are preparing models that can be replicated and developed in larger forums. We are evaluating all of our training to develop it to be profession-specific and contextual to a broader world. We are creating additional broadcast and filming studios to enhance our live and on-demand training over the internet. We are developing new ideas for establishing communities of practice throughout our country… and there is so much more.
There will be more announcements to come about our progress and impact as we strive to provide opportunities for healing and hope to those who have been impacted by trauma. We are humbled to have the opportunity to serve so many with all that we have developed.
Gerry Vassar, President/CEO
