It’s no secret that pandemic-related trauma is real. From the impacts of losing loved ones to the illness to the loss of a school year, communities across the country have experienced emotional fallout related to COVID-19.
In recognition of national Trauma Awareness Month, the California Department of Public Health and the California Office of the Surgeon General, in partnership with ACEs Aware, have produced a social media campaign titled #IamTraumaAware. The focus of the campaign is to encourage community members to share stories of healing and support on social media.
As we’ve previously mentioned, OCDE last year was named the recipient of an ACEs Aware grant designed to help inform and educate local communities about the importance of screening for ACEs and responding with trauma-informed care.
With help from ACEs Aware partners like OCDE, California Surgeon General Dr. Nadine Burke Harris has set a bold vision to cut ACEs and toxic stress in half in one generation through coordinated public health initiatives designed to raise awareness, reduce transmission of ACEs and strengthen our response networks.
“I’ve seen first-hand how trauma can impact both the mental and physical health of our communities,” said Dr. Burke Harris. “There’s no one size fits all approach when it comes to healing, so this month, we encourage you to share stories of healing and words of support, because together we are stronger.”
For additional information on how to participate in the #IamTraumaAware campaign, check out this brief message from Dr. Burke Harris. Additional resources can also be found by visiting the California Department of Public Health website.