By Richard Webster and Jonathan Bullington, Center for Health Journalism, May 19, 2020
Karen Evans stood before several dozen social workers in a United Way conference room on a recent Monday. She was slightly agitated as she prepared to show them “The Children of Central City,” a documentary on how trauma impacts the long-term health, life trajectories and well-being of children growing up in one of New Orleans’ roughest neighborhoods.
Upon its release 18 months earlier, the film had sparked a citywide conversation, she explained. Suddenly, the long-unspoken topic of trauma was of interest. Billboards popped up around the city promoting mental health care for children. Elected officials gave lofty speeches on the importance of understanding traumatized kids as opposed to punishing them. In October, a 200-page report offering a roadmap of potential solutions was presented before the City Council.
Momentum seemed to be building. And then … nothing.
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