The State of Illinois has declared May 15, 2019 as Trauma-Informed Awareness Day to highlight the impact of trauma and the importance of prevention and community resilience. Senate Resolution 99, sponsored by State Senators Julie A. Morrison, Laura Ellman, Elgie R. Sims, Jr., and Laura M. Murphy, establishes this important day and promotes two other important strategies: 1) policy decisions enacted by the state legislature should take into account early childhood brain development and the concepts of toxic stress, early adversity, and buffering relationships, and 2) officers, agencies, and employees of the State of Illinois whose responsibilities impact children and adults should learn about ACEs, toxic stress, and structural violence, as well as about trauma-informed care practices that promote healing and resiliency.

The Senate’s focus on intervention and investment during early childhood is important for the wellbeing of all people across the state. We are also gratified that the House is pursuing a similar resolution under the leadership of State Representative Karina Villa.

Health & Medicine and our Illinois ACEs Response Collaborative are working to make May 15th a meaningful day that recognizes the work our partners are doing across the state and mobilizes new stakeholders to join our efforts.

• Use the hashtag #TraumaInformedIL
• We have created a toolkit of ways you and your organization can support Trauma-Informed Awareness Day on Wednesday, May 15
• This is an important opportunity to build trauma-informed awareness among your networks! Here is a list of resources developed by the Collaborative and more are available here.
• Is your organization marking the day with its own event or action? Tell us how HERE.
• Questions? Please contact Lara Altman, Director of the Illinois ACEs Response Collaborative at (312) 372-4292 x35 or laltman@hmprgstage.wpengine.com.