“Exposure to violence is a national crisis that affects approximately two out of every three of our children. In 1979, U.S. Surgeon General Julius B. Richmond declared violence a public health crisis of the highest priority, and yet decades later that crisis remains.” (Report of the Attorney General’s National Task Force on Children Exposed to Violence)

We are long overdue for a national awareness campaign — similar to public health initiatives on how seat belts and car seats save lives, smoking causes cancer, and hand washing prevents the flu.  Education is needed within every professional sector on how childhood trauma leads to adult life and health disparities including addiction.  Only then can we help those who feel paralyzed by their pasts to achieve the healthy lives they deserve.