Fulton State Hospital creating a 'healing community'

FILE: There will be an event at the Fulton State Hospital in the Nixon Forensic Center Auditorium on Oct. 25 about trauma informed care. The hospital has worked on implementing trauma informed care into its system for more than a decade and wants to spread awareness to the community.
FILE: There will be an event at the Fulton State Hospital in the Nixon Forensic Center Auditorium on Oct. 25 about trauma informed care. The hospital has worked on implementing trauma informed care into its system for more than a decade and wants to spread awareness to the community.

The Fulton State Hospital is looking to transform Fulton into a trauma-informed community.

The hospital will be hosting a free event at 9 a.m. Oct. 25 in the Nixon Forensic Center Auditorium to help create a "healing community." Ladonna Beachy, the hospital's trauma informed care coordinator, is looking to make a cultural shift locally within schools, organizations and businesses.

"Trauma informed care is about changing the question of, 'What's your problem?' to, 'What happened to you?'" Beachy said.

She explained how the hospital has worked at improving its trauma-informed care as far back as 2003, when staff began an effort to reduce the number of "hands-on interventions." The hospital's goal had always been to first implement this awareness in its own system and then move out to the community.

"Most people think trauma only exists with people with mental illnesses, but its prevalent across the general population," Beachy said.

Beachy said she has worked at better understanding trauma not only at the hospital but as a member of a statewide board researching trauma. She said at least two thirds of the population have experienced at least one adverse childhood event, which is a large source of trauma.

"We have to create a culture where things such as safety, trustworthiness, collaboration, choice and empowerment are emphasized," Beachy said.

The event is set to run from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and will include a three-person panel comprised of community members. Beachy said the panel will discuss obstacles they face in daily life from their trauma and highlight solutions that are and are not helpful for them.

Dr. Andrea Blanch will be the keynote speaker to finish the event. Beachy said Blanch is considered a national expert on trauma and has experience in helping other communities becoming trauma informed.

"I think with the recent incidents that have happened at the local middle school and high school have highlighted a potential need for issues such as this to be addressed for our community's youth," Beachy said.

There are still open spots for the event, which is designed for up to 240 people. Community members can RSVP until Friday by contacting Terri Doty at the hospital at 573-592-2081 or at [email protected]