Summit County Trauma-Informed Care Coalition

Building a Resilient & Compassionate Summit County. A collaborative initiative to integrate trauma-informed principles into the heart of our community's policies, practices, and culture. 

About the Coalition

Our Mission: To acknowledge the widespread impact of trauma and foster a supportive environment where every individual in Summit County can heal and thrive. 

The "Neutral Hub" : We serve as the central coordinating body for Summit County, breaking down silos between criminal justice, healthcare, community organizations, and social services to ensure a unified standard of care. 

Our Goals: 

  • Realization: Building awareness of trauma’s impact. 

  • Recognition: Identifying trauma through better screening. 

  • Response: Changing policies to support healing. 

  • Resisting Retraumatization: Creating safe spaces for all.

What is Trauma-Informed Care (TIC)?

The Fundamental Shift: Trauma-Informed Care is a strengths-based framework that asks not, "What is wrong with you?" but "What happened to you?"  

The Six Guiding Principles: 

  1. Safety: Ensuring physical and emotional safety for all. 

  1. Trustworthiness: Transparency in operations and decisions. 

  1. Peer Support: Using lived experience as a tool for healing. 

  1. Collaboration: Leveling power dynamics in service delivery. 

  1. Empowerment: Validating and building on individual strengths. 

  1. Cultural Responsiveness: Moving past stereotypes to provide equitable care. 

Our History & The Science of Trauma

The Foundation: Our work is rooted in the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study, which proved that early childhood trauma is a leading predictor of health and social challenges later in life. 

The Local Context: In response to the opiate crisis and systemic health disparities, the Summit County Opiate Abatement Advisory Council (OAAC) commissioned a deep dive into our county's needs. 

The 2024 Needs Assessment: Conducted by The University of Akron, this report gathered insights from law enforcement, SUD treatment participants, faith leaders, and healthcare providers to create the roadmap we follow today.

Past Events & Resource Library

Stay Involved

Join the Movement:

Whether you are a healthcare provider, a community leader, or a resident with lived experience, your voice is essential to our mission.

Trauma-Informed Care Coalition Interest Form