Hello, I am one of the 70% of adults in the U.S. who have experienced a traumatic event at least once in their lives, which equates to 223.4 million people. This is not just a statistic; it's a reality that many of us live with daily. It's time we address this issue locally, starting with our home - New Jersey.

New Jersey should become a trauma-informed state, providing appropriate free training platforms for its residents and professionals alike. This would mean acknowledging the widespread impact of trauma and understanding potential paths for recovery; recognizing the signs and symptoms of trauma in clients, families, staff, and others involved with the system; responding by fully integrating knowledge about trauma into policies, procedures, and practices; seeking to actively resist re-traumatization.

A free trauma-informed approach can be beneficial not only for those who have experienced traumatic events but also for communities as a whole. It can lead to more compassionate service provision from healthcare providers to law enforcement officers and even to all NJ residents, while reducing instances of retraumatization among survivors.

The journey towards becoming a model trauma-informed state will require commitment from all levels - individuals, communities, institutions - but it is an essential step towards fostering resilience and healing among our residents.

Join me in urging our local government officials to implement free comprehensive trauma-informed training across New Jersey. Your signature can make a difference in creating safer spaces for everyone affected by traumatic experiences.