May 2024 - Trauma-Informed Awareness Month in Delaware
May is Trauma-Informed Awareness Month, a time to recognize how experiences of adversity affect individuals, families, and communities, and to highlight the importance of compassionate, coordinated systems of care.
In Delaware, this commitment is not new. In October 2018, Governor John Carney signed Executive Order 24, formally establishing Delaware as a trauma-informed state. The order called on agencies, schools, health systems, and community partners to adopt practices that recognize the impact of trauma and promote healing, safety, and resilience across the lifespan.
Being trauma-informed means understanding that many people carry experiences of stress, violence, disaster, or loss. It means responding in ways that reduce re-traumatization, strengthen protective factors, and help people regain a sense of control and stability. Trauma-informed approaches do not replace clinical care. Instead, they guide how we interact with one another in everyday systems such as schools, shelters, hospitals, courts, workplaces, and community programs.
What Does It Mean to Be Trauma-Informed?
Trauma-informed systems generally focus on five core principles:
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Safety for individuals, families, and staff.
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Trustworthiness and transparency in communication and decision-making.
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Peer support and connection.
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Collaboration and shared power.
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Empowerment, voice, and choice.
When these principles are in place, people are more likely to seek help, remain engaged in services, and feel respected throughout recovery.
Why Trauma-Informed Awareness Matters
Trauma can affect physical health, emotional wellbeing, learning, relationships, and long-term outcomes. Communities that invest in trauma-informed practices are better positioned to support children after crises, assist adults navigating stress and loss, and protect the wellbeing of responders and helping professionals.
Trauma-informed awareness is especially important following disasters, community violence, public health emergencies, or other large-scale events that disrupt daily life. By strengthening our systems before crises occur, we increase our collective capacity to respond with care and stability when they do.
Delaware Resources and Support
If you or someone you know is looking for mental health or victim-support resources in Delaware, the following organizations and directories may be helpful:
Delaware 211 Mental Health Resources
https://delaware211.org/resources/mental-health/
Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Trauma Brochure
https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dsamh/files/traumabrochure.pdf
Mental Health Association in Delaware
https://www.mhainde.org/
Delaware Victim Center Resources
https://dvcc.delaware.gov/victim-service-resources/
Help Is Here Delaware
https://www.helpisherede.com/mental-health#get-help
Trauma Matters Delaware
https://traumamattersdelaware.org/
Delaware Guidance Services
https://www.delawareguidance.org/services/
Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health
https://dhss.delaware.gov/dsamh/
Delaware Mental Health Clinic Directory
https://www.mentalhealthdirectory.net/clinics/delaware/
Moving Forward Together
Trauma-Informed Awareness Month is an opportunity to reflect on how far Delaware has come and recommit to building systems that prioritize dignity, connection, and healing. Whether you are a caregiver, educator, first responder, healthcare provider, or community member, small changes in how we listen, communicate, and support others can make a meaningful difference.
This May, we encourage everyone to learn more about trauma-informed practices, share trusted resources, and continue strengthening Delaware's network of care.
