Trauma Matters Omaha Website Launches

Introducing Trauma Matters Omaha (TraumaMattersOmaha.org) – a website devoted to increasing awareness and understanding of trauma and its effects on our communities. It’s estimated that 70% of adults in America have experienced trauma sometime in their lives. A trauma-informed community relies on first responders, organizations/public institutions, and the general public to be aware, to be trained, and to be able to provide the right services to help survivors recover. Our mission is to create a safe, supportive and engaging community throughout the Greater Omaha Metro Area (including Dodge, Washington, Douglas, Sarpy and Cass Counties in Nebraska and Pottawattamie County in Iowa) where all people – young and old – can flourish.

Trauma Matters Omaha provides specific details on programs and services offered along with additional resources to help everyone become trauma-informed. The site also provides the opportunity for site visitors to find their ACE score. ACE stands for Adverse Childhood Experiences which occur prior to your 18th birthday. Examples of childhood experiences are physical, sexual and emotional abuse, as well as physical and emotional neglect. Adverse Childhood Experiences can have a lasting impact on a person for their entire life.

The good news is that people are born resilient. And if resilience fades because of trauma, it can be taught. People survive trauma and can live long, healthy lives. But they can’t do it alone – which is where Trauma Matters Omaha comes in. Even if you haven’t been affected by trauma personally, statistics show you know someone who has. And while we are extremely grateful for all the doctors, social workers, police officers and other first responders in our communities who are trained and provide trauma-informed care, absolutely anyone can use these skills to help someone.

Together, we can build a resilient Omaha.