Trauma-Informed Care Initiative Committee

Passavant Memorial Homes (PMH) is committed to implementing a trauma-informed approach with healing-centered practices that strive to effectively respond to the impact of trauma and prevent re-traumatization by providing the necessary supports to empower healing in a safe environment.

PMH embraces a “healing-centered” approach in which the principles embedded in Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) are implemented across all services in order to respond effectively to the impact of trauma on youth, families, caregivers, and communities.  Employees at all levels of the organization complete annual training requirements and adopt the “universal precautions approach” to trauma, in which PMH presumes that all (individuals and employees) have experienced some level of trauma in their lifetime.  Services aim to answer the question, “What happened to you?” versus, “What is wrong with you?” and place a focus on “what is strong” rather than “what is wrong.” 

PMH supports the belief and vision, as depicted in the Wolf Administration Trauma-Informed PA Plan, that when people experience emotional and psychological trauma, they feel respected, safe, empowered, and supported to recover and heal.  The values of acceptance, equity, inclusion, resilience, safety, and self-care are incorporated organizationally.

The Importance of Self-Care:

It is important for employees to engage in self-care to help prevent compassion fatigue and foster compassion satisfaction. 

The following strategies are encouraged for all PMH employees:

• Focus on the four core components of resilience (adequate sleep, healthy eating, regular physical activity, and active relaxation). Employees are encouraged to create a self-care plan that addresses each component.
• Develop positive relationships with other employees. Celebrate successes and mourn sorrows as a team.  Ask a coworker to be a self-care buddy, or plan to check in with one another.
• Schedule time for relaxation, meditation, and rest in your life. Practice breathing exercises and other stress management techniques regularly.  Take breaks and time away from work, as needed, to feel more rejuvenated.
• Stay in regular contact with friends and loved ones.
• Stay informed on resources or seek help with locating resources that could be beneficial.

Email TIC@passavant.org to connect with a member of the PMHFOS Trauma-Informed Care Initiative Committee.

As part of Governor Tom Wolf’s Trauma-Informed PA Plan, in order to guide the Commonwealth and service providers statewide on what it means to be trauma-informed and healing-centered in PA, the Office of Advocacy and Reform (OAR) and the PA Attorney General’s Office have continued its work on trauma initiatives in launching “HEAL PA.” The Office of Advocacy and Reform recently released a new one page flyer for HEAL PA that gives an overview of the mission and vision for Pennsylvania in its efforts to become a trauma-informed state.

Additionally, there are a variety of national mental health resources available to anyone in need of immediate support:

• Call 911 in an emergency
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for English, 1-888-628-9454 for Spanish
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522
• National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4AChild (1-800-422-4453) or text 1-800-422-4453
• National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
• Veteran’s Crisis Line: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text 8388255
• Disaster Distress Helpline: CALL or TEXT 1-800-985-5990 (press 2 for Spanish)
• The Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116