Pass the RISE from Trauma Act

Childhood trauma, especially since the emergence of COVID-19, continues to have devastating effects on children and adults across the nation. Nearly half of children have been exposed to significant adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).[1] As children experience more ACEs, their risk for future mental health and substance use disorders (MH/SUDs) increases in adulthood. By preventing ACEs, the United States could reduce the adult incidence of depression by an estimated 44 percent (the highest of any health condition) and heavy drinking by 24 percent.[2] Despite the widespread occurrence of childhood trauma, only a very small fraction of the children who need care receive it because of socioeconomic barriers, including racism, poverty, and access to services.[3]

Congress should address this critical issue by passing comprehensive legislation like the RISE from Trauma Act. This bill would help to train frontline service providers and community members about trauma, toxic stress, and resilience, would require the Department of Justice (DOJ) to create a national center to disseminate best practices to law enforcement agencies to improve interactions, and establish grant programs improve prevent and reduce trauma across a variety of settings.[3][4]