Summary: In 2023, over 15% of children in Florida, aged 12 to 17, reported experiencing at least one major depressive episode in the previous year, while 50% of young adults, aged 18 to 24, reported experiencing symptoms of both anxiety or depression (Florida Blue, n.d.) My project addressed adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and depression and how utilizing a community-based approach we can empower children to become resilient. Utilizing the six trauma-informed principles of safety, trustworthiness/transparency, peer support, collaboration/mutuality, empowerment, and cultural sensitivity, the program targets the participant's needs to make sure everything is taken into account (SAMHSA, 2014). Utilizing McLeroy's SEM, we aim to address multiple factors including individual, interpersonal, and institutional levels (McLeroy et al, 1988). We address coping skills and increasing awareness of how to get help using this social ecological model. Lastly, by utilizing a public health framework, the project aims to use both primary and secondary prevention level to build resilience and foster an environment where there is support for the youth in Broward County (Oral et. al, 2015). The program includes educational workshops, group sessions, and community partnerships to address mental health inequalities and promote sustainable change. Through these efforts, the project seeks to empower individuals and communities to overcome trauma.
References
Florida Blue. (n.d.) Exploring youth mental health Understanding the crisis of youth mental health in America. https://www.floridablue.com/an...ers/exploring-youth-mental-health#:~:text=Even%20more%20recently%2C%20in%202023,children%
20didn't%20get%20treatment.
McLeroy, K. R., Bibeau, D., Steckler, A., & Glanz, K. (1988). An ecological perspective on health promotion programs. Health Education Quarterly, 15(4), 351–377. https://doi.org/10.1177/109019818801500401
Oral, R., Ramirez, M., Coohey, C., Nakada, S., Walz, A., Kuntz, A., Benoit, J., & Peek-Asa, C. (2015). Adverse childhood experiences and trauma informed care: the future of health care. Pediatric research, 79(1-2), 227.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2014). SAMHSA’s Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach.
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