New Initiative Expands Holistic Approach to Trauma at Drexel’s 11th Street Health Center [Drexel.edu]

Physical and behavioral health problems associated with trauma can linger long after someone experiences abuse, neglect, discrimination or violence, a growing body of evidence shows. With that knowledge in mind, a movement called “trauma-informed” care is making headway at schools, hospitals, social service organizations and health clinics across the country, including the Stephen and Sandra Sheller 11th Street Family Health Services Center of Drexel University.

The approach, based on the notion that the impact of trauma is widespread, shifts the conversation from “What is wrong with you?” to “What has happened to you?” Still, the best ways to put that idea into action are not well known. At 11th Street, health care providers are working to improve that.

The nurse-led center, 850 N. 11th Street, is one of six organizations chosen to participate in a two-year, national initiative to implement and evaluate “trauma-informed” health care approaches. To do this, the center will develop an integrated health care model that focuses on treating a patient’s mind, body and spirit — not just the disease. The holistic, “mind-body” method aims to provide better trauma-informed care to the center’s patients, primarily low-income residents of North Philadelphia public housing units.

The effort is part of a multi-site project, called “Advancing Trauma-Informed Care,” led by the Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS) and made possible through support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Its goals are to improve patient outcomes and decrease costs in the health care and social service systems.