Background on Gallagher/Davis bi-partisan Trauma Informed Care Resolution:

H. Res. 443 is a bi-partisan resolution “Recognizing the importance and effectiveness of trauma-informed care” which recognizes the importance, effectiveness, and need for trauma-informed care among existing federal programs and agencies. Trauma-informed care takes into account a patient's history of trauma in the design of the patient's treatment and encourages the use of trauma-informed care within the federal government.

The Resoltion, which expresses support for the designation of National Trauma Awareness Month and National Trauma-Informed Awareness Day, was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on July 13 by Mike Gallagher (R-WI) along with co-sponsor Danny K. Davis (D-IL). The impetus for the resolution resides with the First Lady of Wisconsin, Tonette Walker, who has taken a strong leadership role in advancing trauma-informed policy and practice statewide and of late with the new Administration, meeting with several members of the Trump Cabinet.

The resolution is the first trauma-specific bill to be initiated by a Republican in the House with Democratic support. The resolution’s co-sponsor, Rep. Davis, is the sponsor of the Trauma-Informed Care for Children and Families Act (H.R. 1757), the House companion bill to S. 774, introduced by Senator Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) and Senator Dick Durbin (D-Il). This comprehensive bill authorizes new programs and funding for an array of new initiatives related to trauma.

Traumatic experiences and childhood toxic stress affect millions of children, families, and adults across the United States. Unfortunately, these experiences can impact a student’s ability to learn, prevent a veteran from reintegrating into society, or hinder an adult’s ability to join the workforce. Trauma-informed care (TIC) is a unique approach designed to identify and address the root causes of some of our most pressing public health issues including addiction, serious mental health issues, and obesity.

Through H.Res.443, we hope to shine a light on the great work states are doing while encouraging Congress and the federal government to build on the states’ momentum by identifying opportunities to embed TIC transformation within federal operations. While TIC is recognized by several federal agencies, including HHS, DOJ, and DOL, we want to ensure the House of Representatives recognizes the importance of this issue.  Our efforts to support the designation of National Trauma Awareness Month will assist us in this effort.

TIC is grounded in a rich body of science indicating that organizations, communities and governments engaging in TIC transformation begin to thrive after implementation.  This issue is non-partisan and serves as a unique opportunity in which Democrats and Republicans can demonstrate a shared commitment to our nation’s health and well-being. TIC activities are underway in nearly every state in a myriad of sectors such as schools, correctional facilities, homeless shelters, among others. For example, Wisconsin’s state agencies are undergoing TIC culture change with the goal of becoming the first trauma-informed state. Across the state border, Illinois has a thriving ACEs Response Collaborative where subject matter experts come together to inform both state and national policy related to toxic stress and trauma.