HJNO Mar/Apr 2025

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF NEW ORLEANS I  MAR / APR 2025 25 ENVISIONING A TRAUMA-INFORMED NEW ORLEANS NewOrleans is no stranger to trauma. But as we move forward from this tragedy, my hope is that we continue building a more trauma- informed city. This means ensuring that every hospital, every school, every public service recognizes the widespread impacts of trauma and, there- fore, functions in a manner that reduces risk of retraumatization and supports the healing of individuals, families, and the community. One of the most powerful aspects of the Seeds of NOLATrauma Recovery Center (TRC) is that it’s built not just for emergency response, but for long-term healing. The city of New Orleans has supported the expansion of our program so that more community members can access the specialized trauma care needed to break mul- tigenerational cycles of trauma and violence. Additionally, the expanded Seeds of NOLATRC is contributing to the healing of our broader community by providing education and train- ing to healthcare providers, healthcare provid- ers of the future (medical students, residents, etc.), healthcare administrators, and community leaders in trauma-informed practices. But beyond our center, trauma-informed care must become the standard, not the exception. It’s not just about responding to tragedy — it’s about creating a system where all those who interact with the system, from those working in it to those getting services, have a healthcare experience that embodies safety, trust, advo- cacy, collaboration, mutual respect, and a sense of belonging. This framework serves not only as a form of intervention, but also a prevention strategy. And just as importantly, we need to break the stigma within healthcare and beyond. Acknowl- edging trauma is not a sign of weakness — it’s the first step toward healing. At University Medical Center and the Seeds of NOLA Trauma Recovery Center, we work toward this vision every day. My hope is that New Orleans will not only recover from this tragedy, but emerge with a renewed sense of strength, solidarity, and hope for collective heal- ing — long after the headlines fade. n ErikaRajo, PsyD, isa licensedclinical psychologist in Louisiana, assistant professor of clinical psychiatry at LSU Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC), director of the Trauma Recovery Center at University Medical Center New Orleans (UMCNO), and co- director of the Spirit of Charity Trauma Center Psychiatry Research Unit. She earned a Master of Science in clinical psychology from Loyola UniversityMaryland, thenassistedwithNIH-funded projects in the Behavioral Psychopharmacology Research Unit at Johns Hopkins University before earning a doctorate in clinical psychology from Pepperdine University in Southern California. She returned to her hometown of New Orleans, where she completed both a predoctoral internship and postdoctoral fellowship training at LSU Health Sciences Center. Rajo has been working with children and adults impacted by trauma for more than 10 years and specializes in PTSD screening/assessment and treatment for survivors of traumatic injury as well as their loved ones. Rajo is on the training faculty for LSUHSC’s clinical psychology internship and fellowship programs. She recently received Gambit’s “40 Under 40 (2022)” award and New Orleans City Business’ “2021 Healthcare Heroes” award for her work in the areas of trauma recovery and violence prevention as well as her efforts to support the emotional well-being of frontline workers throughout theCOVID-19pandemic. Rajo’s professional and research interests include trauma recovery for underserved populations, trauma- informed care in integrated care settings, and clinical supervision in health service psychology. Erika Rajo, PsyD Trauma Psychologist Director, Trauma Recovery Center University Medical Center New Orleans