2 local groups get grants for trauma-informed care

FINDLAY - The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) announced nearly $114,000 in regional grants to provide trauma-informed care (TIC) services statewide and in each of Ohio's six TIC collaborative regions. Recipients include two Northwest region organizations including Children's Resource Center and the Hancock County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services board. Children's Resource Center will receive $9,360. Funds will provide 200 early childhood professionals with Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation – an evidenced-based program that supports healthy development of children. The money will help fill the gap of the three remaining counties in the region not served with Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation IECMHC. Hancock County ADAMHS board has received $10,000 to provide training, books and associated resources for the Northwest region's annual trauma-informed care conference in partnership with the University of Findlay. Approximately 200 professionals will be trained by Dr. Catherine Pittman based on her book, "Rewiring the Anxious Brain." Trauma-informed care shifts the focus from "what's wrong with you?" to "what happened to you?" and seeks to understand an individual's life experiences to deliver effective care. The aim of the grants is to reach families, organizations and communities with new innovative approaches, best practices, and prevention and intervention programs. "When services, practices, and professional development are presented through the lens of trauma-informed care, it can lead to more supportive and responsive environments that are crucial for recovery, healing, and building resilience," said OhioMHAS Director LeeAnne Cornyn. "The selected projects reflect the department's support of local and regional organizations that are utilizing innovative practices to improve mental health and build resilient communities." Another way OhioMHAS is growing awareness and implementation of TIC practices is through sponsorship of the 12th annual Trauma-Informed Care Summit which will take place May 21-22 at the Hilton Columbus/Polaris. OhioMHAS will serve as co-host, along with the Ohio Children's Alliance. The Ohio Departments of Children and Youth, Developmental Disabilities and Health are also supporters of the event. The summit will spotlight expert speakers who will share knowledge, strategies and experience to provide a comprehensive understanding of trauma-informed care and its applications in the workplace.