Enhancing the Impact of the MKE Trauma Recovery Center for Survivors of Violence

Project Summary:

Violence is in the top-five leading causes of death of Wisconsin residents and translates to $657 million annually in disability. In Milwaukee, rates of violence remain higher than pre-pandemic levels and are not declining compared to other U.S. cities. The mental health impact of all types of violence, including diagnoses such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, significantly impacts marginalized communities in Milwaukee that already experience health disparities compared to both White and higher socio-economic communities. MCW has received a grant from the National Alliance of Trauma Recovery Centers (TRC) to develop a Milwaukee TRC, which would use an evidence-based model to provide trauma focused mental health care to survivors of violence. In order to address the need for culturally responsive care that is connected with existing services aimed at addressing social determinants of health, this project will enhance the parent award from the very start of the project by providing training and supervision in culturally responsive care and to hire an intensive case manager to help address social determinants of health. The project team will conduct an implementation evaluation of the MKE TRC to refine the development of the center and its services. This project's goals include: providing evidence for the mental health impact of training and supervision of culturally responsive care for violence survivors; further connecting patients and families served with needed resources in Milwaukee; enhancing mental health care at the center; and providing a framework for implementation of mental health services within the TRC model of care.