Trauma Matters KC, Community Violence And Its Effects On The Individual and Families

Trauma Matters KC is a new organization born out of the “Trauma Informed Community” Task Force. Led by Truman Medical Center and the Mid-America Regional Council, Trauma Matters KC is a diverse group of mental health professional, social workers, community support professionals and citizens working together to raise awareness about trauma and sensitive practices that promote healing, health and wellness in community. Host Melvin Merritt will talk with Beth Sarver, Youth Advocate and Co-Chair of Trauma Matters KC PR & Marketing Committee about this new approach to healing our community and Molly Ticknor Behavioral Health Futures Team leader at Truman Medical Center. As mental health providers and advocates in the Kansas City area, we often work with youth / families that have experienced multiple traumatic events that involve community violence. There are families and young people who have witnessed violent crimes, murders, shootings, and even significant violence involving a family member or close friend. Our own youth have often been personally involved in shootings and other violent crimes as the victims. When asked about these events, their responses are often “it happens every day” or “it’s just a part of life in Kansas City,” not even realizing how traumatizing these events can be on their relationships,…