Category: Campaign News

We hope you had a peaceful, safe entry into 2021!

The new formation of the executive and legislative branches of the government, paired with what is appearing in drafted bills and plans at this time, offer promise for myriad opportunities over the next two years to make major progress toward embedding trauma-informed approaches in federal policies, gearing up federal programs that build resilience, and growing the number of congressional champions who understand the science of trauma and resilience.

With a network that now reaches all 50 states, the Campaign is well-positioned to educate many Congresspeople about the impact of trauma and thus to build the membership of the House Trauma-Informed Care Caucus. Notably, there seems to be a growing understanding of the impact the events of 2020 have had on mental health, which may increase receptivity in Congress for working on achieving the goals of the trauma- and resilience-informed movement.

Additionally, the Campaign will continue to work with national organizational partners across various sectors and stakeholders from around the country to develop a comprehensive policy vision for the United States. With the continued advocacy of the Campaign’s robust, diverse, and dedicated nationwide network, legislation that advances a federal approach that manifests the ultimate goal of a resilient nation is within reach.

We do anticipate a fast pace in 2021, and we would encourage each person in our Campaign network to stand prepared to get in touch with congressional offices through the Campaign’s calls to action. We at the Campaign commit to continuing to provide support, share resources, and develop tools to help make your advocacy efforts easy and effective.

As year two of the Campaign begins, we remain heartened that so many community leaders have joined together across the country to advocate for a trauma-informed and resilient future. The progress of the Campaign would not be possible without the incredible work being done in communities and states across the country. We cannot thank you enough for your continued dedication and engagement!

With gratitude and excitement for all that is to come,

Your National Trauma Campaign

January 6, 2021 was a sad and disturbing day for many reasons. We feel for the intense fear that was felt by our elected officials and their staff. The stress experienced by those we all work with in both chambers of Congress through this Campaign was traumatizing for many. It is notable that the day also saw what was, at the time, the record high number of deaths in a single day from COVID-19. We acknowledge the pain and trauma that blankets our country.

The events of that day are another manifestation of racism and anti-semitism in a country where too many families and communities experience racialized trauma every day layered with historical trauma that has been inflicted across many generations. The unjust differences between how those who besieged the nation’s Capitol in 2021 are being treated compared to those who peacefully demonstrated for the Black Live Matters movement in 2020 are starkly visible in the pictures and videos that many have compared side-by-side. This further compounds the pain.

The discrimination that runs rampant through our nation is sickening and must end. The historical and present-day trauma that has been inflicted regularly for so many people in America is unacceptable. The Campaign is committed to serving as a tool for ensuring that federal policies, programs, and financing serve to bring racial justice as our country works toward a trauma-informed and resilient future.

The December CTIPP CAN call was focused on the intersection between the anti-racism and trauma-informed movements, if you are looking for more information on the subject.

In the stimulus package passed at the end of 2020, there were some notable investments that can be directed toward addressing trauma.

• Directly addressing ACEs and trauma:
  • $10 million more was allocated to National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN)
  • $50 million more for SAMHSA’s Project AWARE (Advancing Wellness and Resilience in Education)
  • $600 million for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics.
• Directly addressing racial equity:
  • $300 million for targeted outreach and education and vaccine distribution in communities of color
  • Paycheck Protection Program guidelines to more intentionally reach businesses run by people of color
  • Investment in greater internet access for low-income families and communities (both urban and rural)
• With respect to housing:
  • The eviction moratorium was extended until 1/31/2021
  • $25 billion for rental assistance will be distributed via state and local governments
• $54.3 billion for school districts (state-by-state allocations forthcoming) – the law allows these funds to be spent in part on addressing social-emotional well-being of children and implementing trauma-informed supports
• $5 million for enhanced data collection on ACEs by the CDC and language supporting the work of the federal Interagency Task Force on Child Trauma appeared in FY21 Appropriations

Much like the Campaign action around CARES Act funding that took place in 2020, there is an opportunity for everyone in the Campaign network to mobilize in their states for education and other funding to be used to provide trauma- and resilience-informed support in schools to respond to pandemic-related stress.

Additionally, we believe that there will be a larger stimulus package passed in the near future. The Campaign will be advocating that more direct support be included to address trauma and build resilience.

We thank members of the Campaign network once again! We believe that our the Campaign network’s efforts contributed mightily to the above victories, and we look forward to continuing to support advocates nationwide to advance trauma- and resilience-informed policies, programs, and practices!

CTIPP developed a First 100 Days priorities document for the Biden-Harris Administration, which was signed by over 600 agencies, individuals, and organizations from around the United States urging the incoming Administration to consider its suggestions. All of the suggestions are potential executive actions that can be made, so that even if Congress is divided there can still be follow through on them. We are grateful for the supporters who signed on, those who helped us leverage connections to the Administration to get this in front of them, and those who worked on the document itself to make it a reality!