MEDIA CONTACT: Laura Braden Quigley, laura@traumacampaign.org
Washington, D.C. – Today, the Campaign for Trauma-Informed Policy and Practice (CTIPP) launched a national campaign – #TakeOnTrauma – to urge the newly sworn-in 118th class of Congress to support policies that create conditions for people, families, and communities to succeed.
From substance misuse and youth mental health challenges to heart disease and community violence, our nation faces fundamental challenges with a common root cause: trauma.
70% of U.S. adults have experienced at least one traumatic event
46% of U.S. children have experienced at least one event by age 18, and more than 20% have experienced at least two
Adverse childhood experiences are linked to five of the leading causes of death in the U.S.: heart disease, cancer, respiratory diseases, diabetes, and suicide
Policymakers and lawmakers can prevent trauma and provide supportive healing by investing in communities. And preventing trauma is cost- and resource-effective:
56% reduction in ER visits
98% reduction in school suspension rates
Every $1 invested into prevention can save $35
Hundreds of like-minded advocacy groups have joined CTIPP to advance innovative community-level approaches to trauma. Their letter to Congress has already garnered nearly 700 signatures nationwide (deadline to sign: January 31, 2023).
“It’s time for Congress to take on trauma. Too many people endure preventable traumatic events and experiences – and without the right support,” said Jess Kohler, CTIPP’s Executive Director. “Our policymakers can help us to build strong communities by focusing on comprehensive and science-based policy solutions – across sectors, industries, and generations. Together, we can decrease hurt and build healing.”
As a starting point, the #TakeOnTrauma campaign is urging Congress to:
Invest in existing and new state and local coalitions that unite across sectors around a common goal of addressing trauma in the community
Incentivize training on trauma science for government employees working on the frontlines
Encourage schools and health care systems to adopt policies and practices that recognize the way trauma shows up in our lives and respond with compassion and support for everyone
Meet with constituents to discuss our personal experiences and our work to address trauma
Support the Resilience Investment, Support, and Expansion (RISE) from Trauma Act
TAKE ACTION
Sign CTIPP’s letter to Congress (deadline: January 31, 2023)
Promote the campaign utilizing CTIPP’s toolkit, which includes the ideo of Congressional Champions, graphics, and GIFs, as well as sample social media captions, press release, and website/newsletter copy
Join CTIPP Community Advocacy Network to advance the trauma-informed movement
WATCH
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The Campaign for Trauma-Informed Policy and Practice (CTIPP) is a national nonprofit committed to creating a trauma-informed society where individuals, families, and communities have the support and resources necessary to thrive. Through advocacy, policy, and education, CTIPP is building a movement that integrates trauma-informed, resilience-focused, and healing-centered prevention, intervention, and treatment approaches across all sectors and generations.
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