Trauma-Informed Care as the standard of care in health.

There is one system I have spent the most time in over the last 15 years both personally and professionally and that is within the healthcare system.

I have worked as a social worker and trauma specialist in various capacities from world-renowned hospital systems to local public health agencies.

I have also been a caregiver navigating and advocating for two parents with acute and chronic illnesses.

I have learned how to "speak medical" in order to advocate for patients and families and to be heard by doctors.

I have also used it to get the necessary medical attention for my parents.

During this time, here is what I unequivocally know for certain: trauma-informed care is mandatory within healthcare of any kind.

Did you know that the majority of the private training and consultation I lead is within healthcare settings?

This year I alone I have trained over 500 healthcare professionals, supporting a major hospital system, and planning to train approximately 450 more people by the end of 2024.

Whether you work within healthcare and wellness or you are a consumer of it-it is important for you to understand an important concept that impacts us all: social influences of health.

Often referred to as 'social determinants of health' (SDOH) these are the conditions in the environments where people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age that affect a wide range of health, functioning, and quality-of-life outcomes and risks.

And when we begin to really look at the roots of these influences and the connection to illness, we will likely find trauma, adversity and stress.

Another reason why when it comes to trauma-informed care, we ALL benefit.

If you are someone who still may be unsure if trauma is relative to your work and leadership, understanding SDOH helps bridge that understanding to see that trauma impacts us all collectively.

Trauma-informed care belongs everywhere but it especially belongs in healthcare.

Not only should it be expectation but the standard of care. So what does that look like in practice?

Ebony shares her lived and learned experiences as a person living with a chronic illness as well as a wellness coach and patient advocate and why she is so passionate about inclusive and equitable healthcare.

This is the start of an ongoing conversation about delving into the many reasons why trauma-informed care is essential within our healthcare systems.

There are so many conversations to be had and so if you enjoy this podcast, hit reply and let me know what other topics you would like to see covered.

In this with you,

Katie

P.S. Remember you can always join us over in the Trauma-Informed Leadership Studio where are in community practice, sharing resources and deepening our learning on all things trauma-informed. Learn more and join us here.