Trauma Survivors Network - provided by ATS

Penn State Health Children’s Hospital is the only children’s hospital between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia fully equipped to treat the most severely ill children of central Pennsylvania, with both the highest-level neonatal and pediatric intensive care units and a Level 1 pediatric trauma center. For 11 consecutive years, the Children’s Hospital has been ranked among the Best Children’s Hospitals in multiple specialties by U.S. News & World Report. Located on the campus of Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, Pa., the Children’s Hospital focuses on providing first-rate health care to all children, from those with complex heart disease to childhood cancers, allowing patients to receive the full spectrum of highest-quality care close to their homes. We have more than 20 pediatric specialties and more than 30 outpatient locations throughout Pennsylvania. The Children’s Hospital has been accredited by the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation since 1993 and certified as a Level 1 pediatric trauma center since 2008, as well as demonstrated superior performance in the most important children’s surgery quality and trauma performance improvement metrics.  We are the only Level 1 American College of Surgery-verified children’s surgery center in Pennsylvania and one of seven within the Mid-Atlantic region to achieve the designation, which recognizes the highest standards of children’s surgical care.

 

We aligned our program with TSN in 2022.  

Community Resources

Penn State Health Children’s Hospital Patient and Family Handbook

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After The Injury

https://www.aftertheinjury.org

This is aniniteractive website that helps caregivers understand their child's reactions to injury and learn what they can do to help support their child’s coping. Also in Spanish

National Child Traumatic Stress Network

https://www.nctsn.org/

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) was created to increase access to services for children and families who experience or witness traumatic events. This network provides resources and education about Trauma-Informed Care and how trauma impacts children and families.

Health Care Toolbox

http://www.healthcaretoolbox.org

• HealthCareToolbox.org The Center's mission is to reduce pediatric medical traumatic stress through promoting trauma-informed healthcare, disseminating evidence-based practices and screening tools to pediatric healthcare providers, training providers to recognize and address traumatic stress in children. We have resources for patients and families as well as healthcare professionals on pediatric medical traumatic stress and trauma informed care.

Child Mind Institute

https://childmind.org/our-impact/trauma-response/trauma-resources/

The Child Mind Institute is an independent, national nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families struggling with mental health and learning disorders. The Child Mind Institute has prepared free trauma resources to aid parents, educators, and other adults in talking to children and adolescents about potentially traumatic events and identifying those who might benefit from more focused professional attention.

Anxiety and Depression Association of America

https://adaa.org/

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) is dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and cure of anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive, and trauma-related disorders through education, practice, and research. It helps people understand the disorders and educates them about scientifically supported treatments so they can make informed decisions. It also supports professionals who provide treatment and conduct research. Click the link to learn how ADAA could help you or your family.

Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice

https://cssj.org

Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice is a flagship project of Alliance for Safety and Justice, a national organization working with partners and leaders to advance criminal justice and public safety reform in states across the country. Access to PA State and Dauphin county/local chapters for support.

American Red Cross of the Susquehanna Valley

www.redcross.org/centralpa

866-311-3822 www.redcross.org/centralpa The American Red Cross, through its strong network of volunteers, donors and partners, is always there in times of need. We aspire to turn compassion into action so that all people affected by disaster across the country and around the world receive care, shelter and hope; our communities are ready and prepared for disasters; everyone in our country has access to safe, lifesaving blood and blood products; all members of our armed services and their families find support and comfort whenever needed; and in an emergency, there are always trained individuals nearby, ready to use their Red Cross skills to save lives

Emergency Help for Pennsylvania

https://www.pa211.org

Call 211, Text your zip code to 898-211, or https://www.pa211.org Free Emergency Help, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you need to connect with resources in your community, but don’t know where to look, PA 211 is a great place to start. From help with a utilities bill, to housing assistance, after-school programs for kids, and more, you can dial 211 or text your zip code to #898-211 to talk with a resource specialist for free.

Al Anon support group on PSH Campus

https://al-anon.org/

Every Tuesday from noon – 1 p.m. Al-Anon members are people, just like you, who are worried about someone with a drinking problem. Al-Anon at Work support group helps to bring hope and strength to families and friends of problem drinkers. Participants share the experiences, strength and hope through fellowship to solve their common problems. Persons whose lives have been touched by addiction also find Al-Anon helpful. New members are always welcome. Al-Anon offers resources and support to family members and friends of someone who struggles with problem drinking or substance abuse. United States: Telephone: (757) 563-1600 Toll-free Meeting Line: (888) 425-2666 Email: wso@al-anon.org

Highmark Caring Place

https://www.highmarkcaringplace.com

The Highmark Caring Place is a center for grieving children, adolescents, and their families. This is a family-centered, child-focused, peer-support program where children, teens, and adults can receive support from others their own ages who are going through very similar experiences. 866-613-4673

Olivia's House

https://www.oliviashouse.org/

Olivia's House: a grief and loss center for children. We are an organization of caregiving professionals and volunteers committed to supporting grieving children. Its purpose is to facilitate healing through grief and loss education.

Laurel Life

https://laurellife.com

717-375-4834. Multiple PA locations We at Laurel Life recognize that most individuals in need of behavioral health services are trauma survivors. By addressing trauma and dealing with the root causes of problem behaviors, Laurel Life makes a positive, lasting impact. Nationally recognized as a proven approach to behavioral health treatment and classroom management, trauma-informed care (TIC) focuses on treatment partnerships and aims to increase an individual’s unique strengths and resources. The goal of trauma–informed care is to create a safe and welcome environment that empowers individual self-directed healing through collaborations and trusting relationships.

My Life is Worth Living

https://mylifeisworthliving.org

My Life is Worth Living™ is the first animated series that models the human connection shown to be protective against suicide. The series tells stories of characters who face some of the most difficult issues that young people deal with and shows their evolution in the key decision: that life is worth living.

Teen Line

https://www.teenline.org/

Call 1-800-852-8336 or Text “TEEN” to 839863 TEEN LINE was created in 1980 by a group of mental health professionals who, through their personal work with teenagers, realized that a more inclusive approach to adolescent mental health was needed. After extensive research and consultation, TEEN LINE – a teen-to-teen hotline with community outreach services – was born.

Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide

http://www.sptsusa.org/

The mission of the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide is to reduce the number of youth suicides and attempted suicides by encouraging public awareness through the development and promotion of educational training programs.

You can not be replaced

https://www.youcannotbereplaced.com/

You Can NOT Be Replaced began in 2012 after the loss of a 7th student to suicide from our local high school. Our goal is to reduce the factors that can contribute to someone in crisis while empowering young people and families to improve relationships, communication, and trust.

Transforming the Lives of Children (TLC)

https://childrens.pennstatehealth.org

TLC clinic serves as a medical home for children in foster or kinship care, and offers mental health services for any kids in need. We offer parent-child interaction therapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, and treatment for post-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety. 717-531-4100.

Child Abuse Help line

https://www.childhelphotline.org/

1-800- 4-A-Child (1-800- 422-4453) The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline is dedicated to the prevention of child abuse. Serving the U.S. and Canada, the hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with professional crisis counselors who—through interpreters—provide assistance in over 170 languages. The hotline offers crisis intervention, information, and referrals to thousands of emergency, social service, and support resources. All calls are confidential.

Brain Injury Association of America - PA division

https://biapa.org/programs/support-group-listing/

The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) works to advance awareness, research, treatment, and education to improve the quality of life for adults and children affected by brain injury. BIAA is dedicated to increasing access to quality health care and raising awareness and understanding of brain injury. It has a network of state affiliates, local chapters, and support groups.

Brain STEPS

https://www.brainsteps.net/

The BrainSTEPS Program was created to build a bridge connecting the medical, rehabilitation, education sectors and families following student (K-12) acquired brain injury (ABI). ABIs can cause cognitive, physical, socio-emotional, and behavioral impairments that impact classroom performance and learning. In 2007, the Pennsylvania Department of Health established the BrainSTEPS Program to address this issue. BrainSTEPS consulting teams support school teams in the development and implementation of educational plans following student ABI. The original BrainSTEPS model in PA is currently funded by the PA Department of Health and the PA Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education, and is implemented by the Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania.

Concussion Injury Support/education

https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/index.html

Keeping children and teens healthy and safe is always a top priority. Whether you are a parent, youth sports coach, school coach, school professional, or health care provider, this site will help you recognize, respond to, and minimize the risk of concussion or other serious brain injury.

Americans with Disabilities Act

https://www.ada.gov/

The ADA website provides information and technical assistance regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act. 1-800-514-0301 (voice) 1-800-514-0383 (TTY)

Brain Line

https://www.brainline.org/

703-998-2020 Brainline provides education and resources about Brain Injury and PTSD for both adult and pediatric survivors and their families. They focus on treatment and recovery information for moderate to severe TBI symptoms in both adults and children.

Hope After Head Injury

https://hopeafterheadinjury.com/

Hope After Head Injury exists to provide hope, community, support, encouragement, education, and awareness for brain injury. Through online support groups, the Hope Survives Podcast, blog posts, and weekly live video broadcasts, survivors and caregivers are encouraged to never give up and to keep fighting.

Department of Education

https://www.education.pa.gov/K-12/Special%20Education/Complaints/Pages/ConsultLine.aspx

No one knows your child as well as you. Whether you are new to special education in Pennsylvania or an old pro, sometimes the system seems confusing, especially when you have a question or a concern. To make communication easy, we have a toll-free help line for your questions and concerns: 1-800-879-2301. The Consult Line is designed to assist parents and advocates of children with disabilities or children thought to be disabled. If you have any questions concerning your child's special education program or the laws relating to the provision of services in your child's IEP (Individualized Educational Program), the special education specialists at Consult Line may be able to assist you.

Coalition to Support Grieving Students

https://grievingstudents.org

The Coalition’s purpose is to create and share a set of industry-endorsed resources that will empower school communities across America in the ongoing support of their grieving students. They provide education and resources to help support students in response to the death of a loved one, school violence/shootings, etc.

The Trevor Project

https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

866-488-7386 (Crisis Lifeline for LGBTQ Youth) Founded in 1998 by the creators of the Academy Award®-winning short film TREVOR, The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people ages 13-24.

Therapeutic Skating

https://hersheyfigureskating.sportngin.com/therapeutic

At Hershey FSC, we encourage the sport of figure skating and promote its growth under the general policies and objectives of U.S. Figure Skating. We operated figure skating programs for individuals of all ages and levels of interest, with a focus on high quality instruction and enjoyment of the sport.

Understood

https://www.understood.org

Understood is a combined effort from 15 nonprofit organizations that have joined together to support parents of children with learning and attention issues throughout their journey. They provide information and resources to help parents to help their children unlock their strengths and reach their full potential. The professionals who advise parents on Understood include educators, learning and attention specialists, physicians, psychologists, lawyers and more. They share a commitment to children with learning and attention issues.

AMPOWER

http://www.empoweringamputees.org/

The mission of AMPOWER is to empower and strengthen those affected by amputation or limb difference through peer mentorship, educational resources, and community events.

Amputee Coalition

https://www.amputee-coalition.org/

The mission of the Amputee Coalition is to reach out to and empower people affected by limb loss to achieve their full potential through education, support and advocacy, and to promote limb loss prevention. Resources and information for children, adults, and families.

United Spinal Association

https://unitedspinal.org

United Spinal Association is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of all people living with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D), including veterans, and providing support and information to loved ones, care providers, and professionals. Its goal is to provide people living with SCI/D with active lifestyle information, peer support, advocacy, and services that maximize their independence and enable them to remain active in their communities. Visit the website for more information.

Opioid Overdose Prevention

https://www.cdc.gov/opioids/overdoseprevention/index.html

1-800-232-4636 TTY: 888-232-6348 The Center for Disease Control and Prevention funds national research, specializes in health education, resources, and raising awareness. Some medications, such as prescription opioids, can help relieve pain in the short term but also come with serious risks and potential complications—and should be prescribed and used carefully. The CDC highlights that the best ways to prevent opioid overdose deaths are to improve opioid prescribing, reduce exposure to opioids, prevent misuse, and treat opioid use disorder.

Mental Health America

https://mhanational.org/

Mental Health America (MHA) – founded in 1909 – is the nation's leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and to promoting the overall mental health of all Americans. Resources and information for youth, parents, and adults.

National Center for PTSD

https://www.ptsd.va.gov/

The National Center for PTSD offers national resources for trauma survivors and families, which includes information about PTSD, resources such as the PTSD Coach Online, and videos from other survivors and professionals.

National Human Trafficking Hotline

https://humantraffickinghotline.org/

Human Trafficking is a crime in which traffickers use force, fraud, or coercion to control victims for the purpose of engaging in sex acts or labor services against his/her will. If you, or someone you know, are a victim of Human Trafficking, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, or visit this website.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a 24-hour, toll-free, confidential suicide prevention hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Your call is routed to the nearest crisis center in the national network of more than 150 crisis centers. For assistance, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255), TTY: 1-800-799-4889. The Crisis Text Line is: 741741

National Institute of Mental Health

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/index.shtml

This website provides mental health education about Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Information includes signs and symptoms of PTSD as well as professional treatment of PTSD. Call 1-866-615-6464 (toll-free) or visit http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/index.shtml

Detox.Com

https://www.detox.com/ptsd/

Information on support for PTSD and Addiction Helpline available 24/7: call 800-483-2193

Tri-State Advocacy Project

http://www.tristateadvocacy.com/

The Tri-State Advocacy Project is composed of advocates who have personally faced the challenges of having a family member with a catastrophic injury. They help families navigate the process of working with health insurance, applying for government benefits, and seeking out other community resources. Click the link to see how the Tri-State Advocacy Project could help your family

The Center for Hope and Healing

https://centerforhopeandhealing.net

The Center for Hope and Healing takes a creative approach to healing those affected by trauma responses to traumatic experiences through blending trauma therapy with artistic expression and wellness. 717-775-3380

The Center for Creative Arts and Play Therapy

http://www.thecenteryork.com

specializing in expressive therapies for children, teenagers, adults, and families. Expressive Art therapy, art therapy, play therapy, and music therapy. 717-741-0000

Family Caregiver Alliance

https://www.caregiver.org/caregiver-resources/all-resources/

The Family Caregiver Alliance addresses the needs of family and friends providing long-term care for loved ones at home. It provides support, information, and tools to manage the complex demands of caregiving. These include online support and resources, navigators to help locate support services by state, and the National Center on Caregiving which unites research, policy, and practice to develop cost-effective programs for caregivers. Click the link to find out more about how FCA could help you or your family.

Capital Area Therapeutic Riding Academy

https://catra.net

The Capital Area Therapeutic Riding Association (CATRA), located in Grantville, PA and founded by Ben and Shirley Nolt, began offering therapeutic riding in the Fall of 1985. Today, CATRA works with a wide variety of riders ranging from 12 months through senior citizens. Riders from seven local counties and beyond participate on a weekly basis. CATRA’s therapeutic riding program operates on a trimester basis with classes beginning in January, May, and late September. Since 1985 CATRA has offered an opportunity for Capital Area residents from all generations with all types of special and typical needs to establish an atmosphere of support, respect, and health. We come together in an equestrian farm environment offering a therapeutic riding experience to those able to benefit from it.

Autism Speaks

https://www.autismspeaks.org

At no cost to families, the World Health Organization’s Caregiver Skills Training (CST) program teaches parents and caregivers the day-to-day skills they need to help their children reach their full potential. Learn to build your child’s communication, engagement, positive behavior, daily living skills and more.

Ronald McDonald House Charities

https://rmhc.org

When the best treatment for a sick child is far from home, thankfully, families don’t have worry about where to stay. At a Ronald McDonald House, families can stay together, rest and recharge to remain strong for their child, interact with families going through similar experiences, enjoy home-cooked meals and receive compassionate hospitality from staff and volunteers — all just minutes from the hospital where their child is receiving care