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Formal definition: An event, series of events, or set of circumstances that is experienced by an individual as physically or emotionally harmful or life threatening and that has lasting adverse effects on the individual's functioning and mental, physical, social, emotional, or spiritual well-being (SAMHSA)

Trauma is a nearly universal experience.

84% of people have experienced at least one traumatic event. The impact of trauma reaches beyond the individual and impacts friends, family members, neighbors, co-worker, etc. 

TRAUMA IS A COMMUNITY ISSUE & NEEDS A COMMUNITY RESPONSE.

Erie County is rich in resources to help children and adults receive the support and services they may need to heal.

Trauma is not a life-sentence. Like many injuries, people can and do heal from their trauma(s). Often, building resilience is developed through meaningful connection with others and intentional self-care.

Trauma in Erie County looks like:

Drug addiction, community violence, bullying, suicide, abuse, neglect, household dysfunction, domestic violence, physical accidents, experiencing the death of a loved one and even the chronic struggle to secure basic needs resulting in poverty or homelessness.