Publications
Publications: How My Boston Marathon Bombing Story Can Help Others Heal After Disasters with New...
On December 23, 2022, the Post-Disaster Mental Health Response Act was signed into law by President Biden. Starting January 1, 2023, anyone living through a federally declared emergency is eligible to access mental health resources to help heal from their trauma. This new law came into existence because of a phone call I made to the office of my Congresswoman, Ayanna Pressley, at a time when I needed help. I didn’t have any idea what she could do for me; I just knew that she would help. It was an amazing experience to be part of the change.
Publications: Summer Round Up
We have been hard at work this summer sharing strategies to prevent and address childhood adversity and trauma through our Pathways Learning Network, ever-expanding Resource Library, and the addition of new training workshops and service offerings from the Pathways team. Read on for highlights of the topics we’ve focused on over the past few months, along with related resources that can help jumpstart your organization’s journey to become trauma responsive.
Publications: Pathways Expert Advisors Promote Multidisciplinary Approach to Treating the Effects of...
When children experience strong, frequent, and/or prolonged adversity in childhood without the support of safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and environments, it can lead to high levels of stress in our bodies and brains – called “toxic stress.” Toxic stress can lead to long-term physical and behavioral health problems if not addressed. Although it is critical to focus on preventing toxic stress altogether, primary prevention efforts in the medical field will not prevent all childhood adversity, and some children will still experience the negative effects of the toxic stress response.
Publications: Self-Care Strategies for the Holiday Season
As the holiday season approaches, Pathways to Resilience recognizes that this time looks different for everyone. While holidays may be joyous occasions with loved ones, this is not always the case. Complex family dynamics, historical trauma, loss of family members, and varying family values can contribute to stress, on top of travel, pressure to participate in social events, disrupted routines, and expenses. We encourage you to let go of unrealistic expectations and know that if you are feeling nervous or anxious about the upcoming holidays, you’re not alone: sixty-four percent of people report feeling “holiday blues” at some point throughout this time. Consider the following tips as you navigate the season this year.
Publications: Building Pathways to Resilience Nationwide: Reflections from the State Leaders in Trauma...
Pathways to Resilience provides a national forum to help states and communities advance healing-centered, trauma-responsive policies and programs across sectors. With a growing understanding of the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the benefits of protective factors and primary intervention strategies on mitigating the impact of trauma and toxic stress, an increasing number of states are creating dedicated offices, leadership roles, task forces, and committees to address trauma and advance strategies to promote resilience and healing. To leverage existing efforts and expertise and support growth in this area, we serve as a convenor of state and national leaders in a collaborative effort to document, build upon, and share best practices.
Publications: Using Language to Prevent Re-Traumatization
Language can have a powerful influence on how we understand our relationships to the world and one another, and many people don’t realize that the English language contains many common phrases and metaphors that infer or explicitly reference violence. Invoking violent imagery casually in our daily conversations – whether professional or personal – can cause harm, particularly to individuals who have survived violent or traumatic experiences.
Publications: Spotlight on Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth
The Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth (TCCY) was established by the Tennessee General Assembly in 1988. An independent, nonpartisan agency created to ensure the state’s policies and programs effectively promote and protect the health, well-being and development of children, youth and families, TCCY was created as a permanent commission. TCCY is the state’s centralized informational resource and advocacy agency for timely, fact-based information to aid policymaking and coordination of resources.
Publications: Pathways Learning Network Highlights: Trauma-Responsive Approaches to Promoting...
On June 7th, Pathways to Resilience held the first in an ongoing series of Learning Network Sessions, focused on Trauma-Responsive Approaches to Promoting Resilience Across Sectors. Presenters included Dave Ellis, former Executive Director of the New Jersey Office of Resilience and Pathways Expert Advisory Committee Members Melissa Merrick, PhD, President & CEO of Prevent Child Abuse America; and Ricky Robertson, Educator, Author & Consultant for Teach for Trust.
Publications: Dr. Bruce Perry and Colleagues Discuss How the Neurosequential Model Can Be Used Across...
On September 21, Bruce Perry, MD, PhD, was joined by Amy Meyertholen, MSW with the Arizona Council of Human Service Providers and Dr. Elaine Rankin with the Cottonwood Oak Creek School District to discuss how the Neurosequential Model can help people respond to and care for children in developmentally appropriate ways in different settings.
Publications: Handle With Care Exemplifies How Sectors Can Partner to Mitigate the Impact of Trauma on...
Law enforcement is called to the scene of a domestic violence incident where children are present. Mom receives medical attention and her partner leaves in the back of the police car. The children arrive at school the next day physically and emotionally exhausted. They may complain of physical ailments, have emotional meltdowns, or act out towards their peers. In short, they are in no shape to effectively engage in classroom learning, and neither teachers nor school staff know why.
