A BIG THANK YOU to the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities and the Northwest Ohio Psychiatric Hospital for hosting the Trauma Informed Care and Vulnerable Populations Conference. It was 2 days of amazing speakers focusing on creating a greater understanding of how traumatic experiences impact multiple populations and how we as professionals can promote healing and resilience.
The conference kicked off with a panel discussion to inform the audience of the importance of agencies and communities becoming trauma-informed. The panel was comprised of trauma informed champions sharing how they have spear-headed the trauma-informed movement in their organizations, steps taken in the process of becoming trauma-informed, benefits and barriers, and recommendations for agencies who are considering beginning the TIC journey.
Day 1, Michelle Knight, who was kidnapped and held captive for more than a decade, answered questions during an interview-style question and answer session with Kristian Brown, a WTVG-TV anchor. Now known as Lily Rose Lee, her story provided a first-hand perspective of traumatic events and abuse, the traumatic reactions victims go through following their experiences, and her journey of hope and survival.
In the afternoon, we heard from Trauma Informed Care experts Mary Vicario and Carol Hudgins-Mitchell as they presented on “Facilitating Healing, Resiliency and Hope.” Throughout their presentation participants gained a greater understanding of the effects trauma has on brain development, belief systems, behavior and self-esteem. This lively and interactive training brought to life the neuroscience of trauma and the healing power of relationships. This training also focused on the importance of self-care for caregivers and service providers, so they have what they need to assist with the important journey of healing.
Cleveland Guinn, a trauma-informed champion from the Northwest Ohio Psychiatric Hospital, provided an energetic closing activity complete with music and dance to end day one.
Day 2, Dr. Julie Gentile started our day speaking on “Trauma Informed Care: A Universal Precaution.” This training assisted service providers in better understanding mental health issues and in utilization of trauma informed approaches as a universal precaution for all individuals with IDD. Through powerful examples the presentation demonstrated various behavioral presentations of trauma in persons with developmental disabilities. Dr. Gentile also shared interview techniques and considerations to help service providers facilitate trauma recovery.
After lunch, Dr. Adrienne Elhai provided a dynamic and engaging presentation on “Trauma & Kids: Healing Happens in Relationships.” Dr. Elhai shared a series of impactful video clips to help establish an understanding of how kids who experience interpersonal trauma by caregivers are affected. The presentation reinforced that trauma symptoms can actually be adaptive for youth who have experienced trauma and that healing happens through positive connections and relationships with caring adults. Dr. Elhai shared an underlying message of hope and resilience. While trauma impacts so many children, she reminded those present that, “If the brain can hurt, the brain can heal.”
The conference wrapped up with information sharing and invitations from both of our local trauma informed care coalitions. Members of the Lucas County Trauma Informed Care Coalition and the Northwest Ohio Regional Trauma Informed Care Coalition provided information regarding the formation of their coalitions, their vision, sub-committee work, and how people can get involved in the trauma-informed care movement in Northwest Ohio.
Cleveland Guinn gave an encouraging reminder to those at the conference that they are all trauma-informed champions. As the participants were dismissed, he urged everyone to use the information learned to improve lives for vulnerable people in Ohio.
By Julie Pratt and Jennifer Wolfe