The Level 1 Trauma Center at University of Colorado Hospital strives endlessly to be the leading trauma center in Denver and the Rocky Mountain region. As the cornerstone of our system-wide commitment to trauma care, our team of dedicated specialists coordinates care and protocols with community dispatch centers and EMS agencies across the Front Range of Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region.
TSN Coordinator
Recovering from Injury
Experiencing a major injury can cause a range of strong emotions, thoughts, and physical symptoms. Known as Post Traumatic Stress, these are normal responses to severe trauma. For example, it is common for people to feel or experience the following right after being injured:
Common Experiences after Injury
For some people, distress resolves over time. For others, it may hold steady or even increase over time.
In about one out of four people, the distress is so severe that it is called post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. Only a mental health professional can diagnose PTSD, but if a friend or family member notices any of the symptoms, it may be a sign that help is needed.
As someone who has survived a traumatic event, you may experience some of these symptoms. It can help to seek support like participating in a peer support group, connecting with a mental health professional, or just talking to someone you trust about what you are experiencing. These supports can be utilized by family and friends as they to experience trauma.
Peer Visitation Coming Soon
Peer Visitor Volunteers Needed
Become a Trauma Peer Visitor – Your Story Matters
UCH is gathering interest for our new Peer Navigator Program. This program connects former trauma survivors—and the family and friends who supported them—with patients currently recovering in the hospital. Peer mentors offer encouragement, share what helped them, and provide support that benefits both the mentor and the patient.
What Peer Visitors Do:
Peer visitors are trained volunteers who have lived through the impact of serious injury. Because they’ve been there, they understand the fears, questions, and uncertainty trauma patients face. They listen, offer practical tips, and provide genuine understanding during recovery.
Interested in learning more about being a peer visitor?
complete this interest form and we will be in contact with you to set up a time to visit and learn more.
Upcoming Programs & Events
UCHealth Community Healing Group
1st Wednesday of the month 6- 7:30 pm This informal group will gather once per month to discuss issues community members who have been impacted by trauma. The is designed to be a safe and confidential environment. All meeting are open for anyone to join at any time. Food and beverages will be served. contact Megan Hazel TSN coordinator for more information [email protected]
Virtual Support Groups
There are many options for Survivors and their families, friend and caregivers for virtual support if that works better. please check these out. Learn more here.
NextSteps Online
Ongoing – The NextSteps program is a free 6-week self management course designed to recognize that YOU play the most important role in your recovery. based on the principles of self-management. It uses techniques that have been scientifically proven to increase one’s self confidence and sense of empowerment. NextSteps teaches you the skills to become an active self manager of your health and your life. Learn more here.
May is Trauma Awareness Month!
The entire month of May is focused on raising awareness for trauma survivors, their family/friends, and the trauma professionals who go above and beyond every day. Learn more here .
National Trauma Survivors Day!
The 3rd Wednesday in May is National Trauma Survivors Day! We celebrate together the strength and resiliency of trauma survivors, their family/friends, and the trauma professionals who go above and beyond every day. Learn more here.
Community Resources
Mental Health Support
Trauma Survivors Network
https://www.traumasurvivorsnetwork.org/pages/home
We are a community of patients and survivors looking to connect with one another and rebuild their lives after a serious injury. The underlying goal of our resources and programs is to ensure the victims of trauma a stable recovery and to connect those who share similar stories.
American Trauma Society
www.amtrauma.org/
The American Trauma Society is dedicated to the elimination of needless death and disability from injury. For 50 years, the ATS has served as an advocate for the trauma care system, trauma prevention programs, and survivors of trauma and their families throughout the United States. Our mission is to Save Lives, Improve Care, & Empower Survivors.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Flyer
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/publications/print/index.asp Helpful flyer and booklet information for patients and families on the symptoms of PTSD and how to help.
Colorado Crisis Services
https://coloradocrisisservices.org/1-844-493-8255 This organization provides support and counseling for a broad range of topics. Call, text, and walk-in options available. There are multiple sites throughout the Denver area and other areas of Colorado.
Therapist of Color
https://www.therapistofcolor.com/
Believe that “when therapy looks like you,” you feel a deep connection knowing that you have entered into a space where you no longer feel misunderstood. Finally…a place where you feel a confidence in asking for the help you deserve.
The Center for Trauma and Resilience
http://traumahealth.org/
The Center for Trauma & Resilience provides culturally and linguistically responsive programs, health promotion and crime prevention education. They provide services to those affected by crime and the resulting trauma, at no cost.
Maria Droste Counseling Center
http://www.mariadroste.org/ Counseling & mental health services with sliding scale cost based on the patient’s ability to pay. Services include: –addiction counseling –chronic and long-term illness –Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) –Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder –Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) –Family & relationship counseling –grief counseling –Survivors Mental Health Program (SMHP) for survivors of violence.
Psychology Today
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us
Helpful articles and a source for locating therapists in your area.
Other Resources
Adaptive Recreation In the City
https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Departments/Human-Rights-Community-Partnerships/Commissions/Commission-for-People-with-Disabilities/Adaptive-Recreation-In-The-City If you are a person with a disability or are helping a person with a disability, these resources can help you find adaptive recreation programs in the Denver metro area. This list includes programs for all ages, adults, teens & young adults, and children.
American Disabilities Act Colorado Network
https://rockymountainada.org/ The ADA National Network provides information, guidance and training on how to implement the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in order to support the mission of the ADA to “assure equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities.” ADA specialists help families address complex questions on a wide range of ADA topics such as reasonable accommodations at work, building codes for new construction projects, accessible housing, and transitioning from school to work. ADA specialists also address questions about other disability laws, such as the Fair Housing Act, the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act, and the Rehabilitation Act.
Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado
https://biacolorado.org/
The Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado is the go-to resource for help and services for survivors of an injury to the brain, their families, and providers.Through guidance, resources, support, and education, we seek to engage with Coloradans in the lifelong growth of those affected by an injury to the brain. Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado 1325 S. Colorado Blvd, Bldg B, Ste 300 Denver, CO 80222 Phone: 303.355.9969 Toll Free: 1.800.955.2443 Fax: 303.355.9968
Craig Spinal Cord Injury Support Group
https://www.spinalcord.com/sci-support-groups/colorado
SCI Interdisciplinary Outpatient Evaluation (IOE) Group The purpose of this group is to offer peer support and meet others with spinal cord injury (SCI). SCI Caregiver Group The purpose of this group is to offer peer support and meet other caregivers who have a loved one with a spinal cord injury (SCI).
Brain Injury Association of America
https://www.biausa.org
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.
Denver Victim Assistance Unit
https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Departments/Police-Department/Programs-Services/Victim-ServicesThe Victim Assistance Unit (VAU) provides crisis intervention services, support, information and advocacy to victims, witnesses and family members in the event of criminal victimization or in certain instances of non-criminal stark misfortune. A proactive, comprehensive victim-centered approach is implemented to meet each victim’s needs through on-scene crisis interventions and follow-up services.
Gateway Domestic Violence Services
http://www.gatewayshelter.org/
Gateway offers counseling, residential care and court advocacy services for domestic violence victims in Arapahoe County, Colorado. Our mission is to prevent and eliminate partner violence and to empower people for social transformation.
United Spinal Association Peer Support
https://unitedspinal.org/peer-support-program
United Spinal Association understands how vital peer support is for many wheelchair users living successfully in their communities. We offer a robust peer support program that includes one-on-one peer mentoring, virtual and in-person support group meetings.
Violence Free Colorado
https://www.violencefreecolorado.org/
Advancing the well-being of all Coloradans through relationships free from abuse and oppression