Adopting a trauma-informed approach to care offers the potential to not only improve patient health outcomes, but also enhance the well-being of health care professionals. While becoming a trauma-informed health care organization can be resource-intensive, there are relatively simple, foundational steps that providers can take to move toward fully adopting a trauma-informed approach to care.

This brief outlines practical recommendations for health care organizations interested in taking steps to becoming more trauma-informed. It draws from the experiences of pilot sites in Advancing Trauma-Informed Care, a CHCS-led national initiative made possible through support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Opportunities outlined in this brief may serve as a starting place to help health care organizations generate awareness of the impact of trauma, encourage staff wellness, improve hiring practices, and enhance their physical, social, and emotional environments.