The Center for Resilient Communities (CRC) works in partnership with community members and organizations to address adverse determinants of health, toxic stress, and trauma, and to promote resiliency among populations across the U.S. There are a number of unique challenges surrounding access to, appropriateness, delivery, and utilization of trauma treatment and services for minoritized and historically excluded communities. Community Health Workers (CHWs; e.g., Promotore/as de Salud, Community Health Representatives, Peer Support Specialists, Navigators, etc.) are an essential workforce to improving the delivery of health and mental health services, especially among Black, American Indian, and Latinx populations. However, many CHWs lack specific training around trauma assessment, prevention, and available treatments.
The primary goal of the CRC is to work collaboratively with CHW organizations to increase the capacity of CHWs to provide culturally relevant, trauma-informed assessments, referrals, and other services to children, youth, and families through the implementation of research-informed and evidence-developed best practices. CRC involves the development of a Trauma and Resiliency Toolkit, hosts trainings and a webinar series, and provides the Healing and Resiliency from Trauma certificate program to strengthen the capacity of CHWs and other interested health professionals to provide culturally relevant care for children, youth, and families experiencing trauma. Through collaboration, education, and culturally adapted practices, the project aims to reduce the negative impacts of toxic stress and promote resilient coping strategies across diverse communities.