BALTIMORE, MD.  — Today, Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young was joined by Councilman Zeke Cohen to launch the newly established Trauma Informed Care Task Force. The task force was created by the recent Elijah Cummings Healing City Act, sponsored by Councilman Cohen and signed by Mayor Young on February 9, 2020.

“Oftentimes, when we discuss violence in Baltimore, we talk with sadness and regret for the victims, and we focus on the consequences of the perpetrators; but we rarely spend time talking about the trauma that impacts the community,” said Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young. “I signed the Elijah Cummings Healing City Act into law, specifically, to address trauma in Baltimore. I hope residents across our great city take this opportunity to play an active part in the healing that our city so desperately needs. Healing this city is how we will continue to build Baltimore.”

The Trauma Informed Care Task Force will create a multi-year strategy that will inform city policies and procedures to align with trauma informed care best practices. The task force will oversee the implementation of the plan and coordinate training of city employees in every agency and community groups.

“Today we are calling on Baltimoreans to apply to join the Trauma Informed Task Force,” said Councilman Zeke Cohen. “We need to address the root causes of trauma in Baltimore, and government cannot do this alone. We need the voices of everyday people to help us heal from the trauma that has become so pervasive in Baltimore City.”
To apply to be a member of the Trauma Informed Care Task Force, go to https://mayor.baltimorecity.gov/trauma-informed-care-task-force