Vision
That all New Yorkers have the tools they need to prevent, respond to, and recover from the effects of trauma and live healthy, successful lives.
Mission
Trauma-Free NYC aims to bring together New Yorkers who are committed to creating trauma-informed partnerships across the city. We promote the integration of scientific advances regarding the causes and effects of trauma into the work of any organization, individual, or public servant actively involved in the well-being of New Yorkers.
TFNYC Statement on Racism and Social Injustices
The trauma of racism has a lifelong impact on the brain, on the body, and on our society.
Trauma-Free NYC aims for all New Yorkers to have the tools they need to prevent, respond to, and recover from the effects of trauma and live healthy, successful lives.
Trauma-Free NYC is actively anti-racism, and we stand with NYC communities that have been impacted by oppression and violence.
Trauma-Free NYC is exploring sources of funding that would enable us to partner with NYC communities to address health issues related to trauma and racial injustices.
Trauma-Free NYC commits to hosting an annual event each year with a focus on racial injustices.
History
Trauma-Free NYC (TFNYC) is a Columbia University-based initiative focused on identifying and promoting trauma-informed practices and policies in New York City. We do this through promoting educational, training and service learning strategies that support health, resilience, and well-being, while simultaneously working to prevent adverse experiences, buffer the impact of poverty, and reduce health disparities. TFNYC was founded in the summer of 2017 by an interdisciplinary group of faculty and staff, and led by the Mailman School of Public Health. Our work is growing, and we aim to forge sustainable relationships between academics, policymakers, and community agencies across New York City so that our city will be scientifically informed when developing and implementing policies, practices and investments related to trauma.
In Memoriam
Dan Press, the founding father of Trauma-Free NYC, lost his battle with lung cancer on October 5, 2022. Dan was a great changemaker, mentor, friend and colleague. He is sorely missed. Read more about Dan at the Campaign for Trauma-Informed Policy and Practice.
What We Do
- Coordinate dialogue among policymakers and practitioners in NYC
- Conduct annual speaker events to increase public awareness of the factors associated with ACEs and trauma experienced across the lifespan
- Support organizations to increase their understanding of and compassion for the effects of trauma on the well-being of children and adults by providing information on the latest ACEs research
- Validate and disseminate scientific findings to inform policy makers and practitioners
- Promote cross-disciplinary interprofessional conversations about trauma-based research and practice
- Develop undergraduate and graduate courses on the causes and effects of trauma, and current trauma-informed care practices
- Create service learning experiences for graduate and undergraduate students in partnership with community groups and external stakeholders
- Offer certificate programs and workshops for professionals seeking further knowledge and credentials in trauma-informed approaches
EXTENDING OUR REACH
If you are interested in hosting students for ACEs and trauma-focused summer practicums, and/or if your agency would like to host students for a service project for the graduate course on ACEs and trauma, contact Dr. Danielle Kassow, Director, Programs, at [email protected].