First Lady Walker: Welcomes U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams to Wisconsin for Trauma-Informed Care discussion

Contact: Amy Hasenberg, (608) 266-2839

MILWAUKEE – First Lady Tonette Walker today hosted a discussion about Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) and resilience with U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Jerome Adams at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

“Trauma-Informed Care can help children across our entire state, country and our world,” said Mrs. Walker. “But, we cannot do it without help, because everyone has a role to play. We need more people coming together from across our entire nation to advocate for TIC. Thank you to U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams for standing with us to help improve outcomes for children.”

Since 2011, Mrs. Walker has been advocating for TIC to be incorporated across Wisconsin and the nation. Under Mrs. Walker’s leadership with Fostering Futures, nine of Wisconsin’s state agencies, 20 county human service systems, two tribal nations, one medical college department, and one nonprofit are implementing TIC, helping Wisconsin become the first Trauma-Informed state.

Today’s event featured speakers from across Wisconsin who are leaders at incorporating TIC at their organizations. Surgeon General VADM Jerome Adams served as the keynote speaker.

“Fostering Futures is one of many examples of how public and private partnerships can help integrate Trauma-Informed Care into our overall system of care,” said Surgeon General VADM Jerome Adams.

The Medical College of Wisconsin has been a partner in Mrs. Walker’s efforts to promote TIC throughout the state.

“Hosting these special guests, and having an open conversation on Trauma-Informed Care helps foster knowledge changing life for our faculty, staff, students and beyond,” said Joseph Kerschner, MD, Dean of the Medical College of Wisconsin School of Medicine, and Provost and Executive Vice President of MCW. “Fostering the understanding and leading the research to better recognize, understand and address the effects of trauma on the lives of children and families in the state will ultimately result in improved patient care.”

Mrs. Walker was also instrumental in the passage of House Resolution 443 and Senate Resolution 346, which both aim to increase awareness and importance of TIC. As a result of her efforts, May is recognized as Trauma-Informed Care Awareness Month.