Building Resilience in our Communities

Enhancing regional quality of life through collective impact and resiliency training for mental health and trauma

Full Project Name:Building Resilience in our CommunitiesPrimary Community Organization:Great Rivers United WayPrimary Academic Partner:Leslie Ruffalo, PhD, MS, Family MedicineAward Amount:$250,000

Award Date

July2024

Project Duration:24 months

Project Description Narrative:

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) significantly impact health and well-being. ACEs, such as abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction, are linked to higher risks of chronic diseases, mental health disorders, substance abuse, and interpersonal violence later in life.

By focusing on trauma-informed care and resilience-building strategies, this project will aim to mitigate these adverse effects of ACEs, promote healing, and improve overall health outcomes in western Wisconsin's rural communities.

Community partners: La Crosse County Health Science Consortium, Gundersen Health System, Great Rivers United Way-Better Together in La Crosse County