Did you know the most significant determining factor for most mental health issues is childhood adversity?
West Piedmont Trauma and Resiliency Community Network (WPTRCN) is a network of organizations and individuals formed in 2020 that promote empathy, equity, and trauma-responsive approaches, serving as a resource to address inequities, encourage resiliency, and provide training and development opportunities. The goal is to decrease trauma and increase resiliency in the community. WPTRCN aims to increase capacity in the community by promoting regular training opportunities. The network promotes Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) training. This training is three hours long and informs attendees of the impact of adversity on things like their immune systems and childhood brain development. Participants trained will understand those who experience adversity are at a much greater risk of almost every type of physical health issue and every type of mental health issue, as well as numerous social issues. Other training courses the network offers include an Introduction to Trauma and Resiliency course that is 45 minutes long.
As part of our commitment to community learning, the network also offers engaging book studies throughout the year. These studies provide an excellent opportunity for community members to delve deeper into the topic of trauma and resiliency, fostering a sense of connection and shared learning. In 2023, book studies offered by the network included Help for Billy, The Body Keeps the Score, and What Happened to You. By participating, you’ll receive a free book and the chance to meet weekly with other interested community members to discuss the book. This is just one of the ways WPTRCN works with organizations and individuals to become more trauma-sensitive, equipping our community with the skills to respond appropriately and decrease the likelihood of re-traumatizing those they encounter or work with daily.
On May 8th, WPTRCN is proud to host its first annual conference during Virginia’s Resilience Week at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research from 9 am until 4 pm. The conference, titled ‘Pathways to Resilience: Overcoming Adversity and Trauma, ‘features an all-star lineup of speakers who are leaders in the field. The conference, a testament to the importance we place on community learning and growth, includes Internationally renowned Tonier Cain, Dr. Allison Jackson-Dyer, and Virginia’s Department of Behavior Health and Developmental Services’ Keith Cartwright. During lunch, we will hear from Angelique Caley, a local Certified EMDR Therapist and Board Approved Clinical Supervisor. The event will also have several local resource tables for networking and connecting with unique services offered in our area and across the state.
By increasing knowledge of the impact of trauma and adversity and learning how to properly deal with someone in a fight, flight, or freeze mode, we hope to become a more compassionate community, reducing harm. WPTRCN also strives to build a more resilient community through lessons of self-care while caring for others.
West Piedmont Trauma and Resiliency Community Network meets via Zoom on the 4th Tuesday of each month at 2:00 pm. Please email us at wptrcn@dpcs.org if you are interested in getting involved with the network or have any questions.