Healing beyond the trauma: how violence intervention and recovery changes lives

On this episode of Beyond Extraordinary, host Kristen Gradney, Chief Wellness Officer, sits down with Dr. Annelies De Wulf, Director of Violence Intervention Services at University Medical Center New Orleans, and Dr. Erika Rajo, Director of the Seeds of NOLA Trauma Recovery Center, to discuss how healthcare systems can play a critical role in addressing community violence and supporting trauma recovery.Together, they explore the continuum of care available to survivors of violence and traumatic injury, from bedside support in the emergency department to long-term counseling, case management, and recovery services. Dr. De Wulf and Dr. Rajo share how violence interrupters, trauma psychologists, and community partners work together to reduce cycles of violence, promote healing, and help individuals rebuild stability after life-altering events.They also discuss the importance of trauma-informed care, the connection between violence and public health, and how collaborative efforts across healthcare, government, and community organizations are helping create safer, healthier communities throughout New Orleans.