Dear Friends & Colleagues:
Exciting national progress on trauma policy. July 11 was the first congressional hearing on childhood trauma with amazing bi-partisan support. See summary of the 4 hour hearing:
https://www.pacesconnection.com...-on-childhood-trauma
Chairman Elijah Cummings set the tone early in the hearing by recalling his childhood experience of being in special education from kindergarten to sixth grade, and being told he would “never be able to read or write.” Still, he “ended up a Phi Beta Kappa and a lawyer.” He focused on both the scope of the problem of childhood trauma and the “good news.” He noted that the warnings from a wide spectrum of researchers, medical professionals, and others that childhood trauma is “one of the most consequential and costly public health issues facing our nation today. The science is powerful." He also noted that damage can be healed, and children can become thriving and productive adults. He called for a robust approach to address the problem, signaling his intention to draft comprehensive legislation.
While the hearing brought issues into focus for the development of new legislation to address childhood trauma, a trauma bill (S. 1770, H.R. 3180, the RISE from Trauma Act) was introduced in June by Illinois lawmakers Sen. Dick Durbin and Rep. Davis. While there are separate tracks for the RISE from Trauma Act and other bills, the congressional offices involved are proceeding in a complementary manner. For background on the Durbin-Davis legislation, click here.
Would be great if we could continue to educate Florida’s congressional group to join the momentum of support for trauma informed supports.
All the best, Mimi
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Dr. Mimi Graham, Director
FSU Center for Prevention & Early Intervention Policy
1339 East Lafayette Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301
Office: 850-922-1302
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