First Lady Tonette Walker: Encourages House of Representatives to pass House Resolution 443

“In May, I had the opportunity to meet with lawmakers and federal agency leaders to discuss how crucial trauma-informed care is when it comes to addressing the effect trauma has on the lives of our children and families,” First Lady Tonette Walker said. “The U.S. House of Representatives taking up this important resolution shows our lawmakers are listening. I’d especially like to thank Representatives Gallagher and Davis for their leadership on this issue. This is a step in the right direction, and I encourage our nation’s Representatives to pass H. RES. 443. Together, we have the power to change outcomes by raising awareness and training people to better recognize and respond to toxic stress.”

H. RES. 443 recommends designating September as “National Trauma Awareness Month,” as well as a “National Trauma-Informed Awareness Day” within the month of September. This recommendation promotes national recognition of trauma-informed care and raises awareness about the nature and impact of trauma, the importance of prevention, the impact Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) can have on brain development, and the numerous benefits of trauma-informed care. It further recognizes the importance, effectiveness, and need for trauma-informed care and encourages its use within existing federal government programs and agencies.

“Congressional Resolution 443 is necessary for improving the lives and well-being of children and families across the country,” Governor Scott Walker said. “In Wisconsin, we’ve seen how recognizing the effects of trauma can change outcomes. The benefits of trauma-informed care reach far beyond the person affected, extending to the family, community, state, and even the nation.”

This resolution ties closely with First Lady Tonette Walker’s work to promote trauma-informed care in Wisconsin through her Fostering Futures initiative. Fostering Futures, which launched in 2011, works to transform systems by utilizing trauma-informed care which includes raising awareness about the importance of better recognizing, understanding, and addressing the effects of trauma and toxic stress on the lives of children and families throughout Wisconsin and the nation.