“Trauma informed care is about changing our culture, our systems, and our communities to see that trauma is the root cause of so many of our social problems,” said First Lady Tonette Walker. She met with members of the Mental Health Liaison Group this morning to talk about her work in Wisconsin and at the federal level.
Mrs. Walker has been advocating for trauma informed change since 2011 through an effort she founded called Fostering Futures. While building an understanding of the nature and impact of trauma began with the state health department, the effort has expanded to many other state agencies and even the governor’s staff has received training.
Last year she took her effort to the national level and worked with Congressman Gallagher (R-WI) and Congressman Davis (D-IL) on Recognizing the importance and effectiveness of trauma informed care, a resolution that passed with unanimous bipartisan support. The cosponsors have also organized a Trauma Informed Care Caucus to serve as an advising body for policies that address prevention and the needs of trauma survivors.
MHLG member organizations had a candid Q&A with Mrs. Walker about how to continue to build momentum for trauma informed care. There was acknowledgment and appreciation expressed for the important role that the First Lady of Wisconsin has played in using her leadership to advance the movement. Member organizations also discussed key policies, like Senator Lamar Alexander’s bill, Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018 (S.2680), that includes six trauma informed provisions and is currently with the Health Education Labor & Pensions (HELP) Committee.
While in Washington Mrs. Walker will also attend SAMHSA’s National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day where she will be honored this evening for her advocacy and leadership on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and trauma informed care.
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