Norwalk Hospital (273)

Located in Norwalk, CT, Norwalk Hospital is a 366-bed acute care hospital that cares for patients and their loved ones located in Fairfield County, Connecticut, and the surrounding New York Metropolitan area.  We are part of Nuvance Health™, a network of seven hospitals and numerous outpatient facilities in the Hudson Valley and Western Connecticut.   Annually, Norwalk Hospital will treat 10,000 injured patients on average.  U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals for 2023-2024 ranked Norwalk Hospital in the TOP 5%.  As an acute care academic hospital, patients are provided with the latest medical, surgical, and wellness services.

Level II Trauma Centers at Nuvance Health

Norwalk Hospital has a rich and innovative history with it being the first American College of Surgeons designated Trauma Center in Connecticut.  Our patients benefit from the various services and multispecialty groups across the health system including three Level II Trauma Centers at Norwalk Hospital, Danbury Hospital, and Vassar Brothers Medical Center..

Advanced Trauma Care

As an American College of Surgeons verified Level II Trauma Center, our teams of top medical and surgical talent collaborate to bring high quality services to our patients. Driven by and adhering to The American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma guidelines, all seriously injured patients arriving to Norwalk Hospital are evaluated and treated equally and expeditiously with the goal of having the best possible outcomes. The scope of the trauma service extends beyond the hospital into the community, including community outreach and educational programs to the public with the goal of reducing the most common causes of traumatic injuries for a safer community.

What you can expect to find at Norwalk Hospital-

  • Trauma Service committed to continuous monitoring and improvement of our care and response to trauma
  • Specially designed and equipped trauma bay
  • A team of dedicated, fellowship-trained trauma and critical care surgeons
  • Devoted nursing staff who are educated in trauma care
  • Dedicated Norwalk Hospital EMS team
  • Committed collaboration with surrounding area EMS teams
  • A multidisciplinary team approach of specialists for improved patient care and outcomes

TSN Coordinator

Beverly Stevens, BSN, MSHA, RN
Email Coordinator
[email protected]

Brianna Iorfino, Injury Prevention Coordinator

Email Injury Prevention

[email protected]

Address

34 Maple Street, Norwalk, CT 06856

Telephone

(203) 852-2000

TTY (800) 842-9710

Website

https://www.nuvancehealth.org

Norwalk Hospital Electronic Handbook for Trauma Survivors and Families

Under Construction.

Upcoming Programs & Events

FREE Monthly Virtual Support Group for Trauma Survivors of Physical Injury.

Each month there are two opportunities for Trauma Survivors and their families to join a 90 minute online group.

Meetings are the second and fourth Wednesday of each month.  The second Wednesday is from 3:30-5:00pm EST.  The fourth Wednesday is from 5:30-7:00pm EST.

Register at  https://www. surveymonkey.com/r/SR66SZ9

Questions? E-mail Katherine Joseph at [email protected]

Próximos Programas y Eventos

Grupo de apoyo virtual mensual GRATUITO para sobrevivientes de trauma de lesiones físicas.

Cada mes hay dos oportunidades para que los sobrevivientes de trauma y sus familias se unan a un grupo en línea de 90 minutos.

Las reuniones son el segundo y cuarto miércoles de cada mes.  El segundo miércoles es de 3:30 a 5:00 p.m. EST.  El cuarto miércoles es de 5:30 a 7:00 pm EST.

Regístrese en https://www. surveymonkey.com/r/SR66SZ9

¿Preguntas? Envíe un correo electrónico a Katherine Joseph a [email protected]

National Trauma Survivors Day!

May 15, 2024 – 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.

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.

Injury Prevention

National Burn Awareness Week is February 2nd – 8th.

Please review the following link for more information on Burn Prevention: National Burn Awareness Week – American Burn Association

Community Resources

National Resources

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: [email protected]

Canada:

Telephone: (613) 723-8484
Email: [email protected]

    • Alcoholics Anonymous – aa.org

Alcoholics Anonymous provides support and resources for people who struggle with a drinking problem or substance abuse. Confidential group meetings are available throughout the United States and Canada. Use the online locator to find the group and times that meet nearest you.

Mission: Save Lives and Bring Hope to Those Affected by Suicide. Established in 1987, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is a voluntary health organization that gives those affected by suicide a nationwide community empowered by research, education and advocacy to take action against this leading cause of death.

    • Americans with Disabilities Act – 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)

              1-800-949-4232

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

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.

Toll Free: 800-556-7890

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

https://www.amputee-coalition.org/resources/understand-limb-loss

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.

Toll-Free: 888/267-5669

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.

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.

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.

    • Center for Disease Control and Prevention:

Opioid Overdose Prevention – www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/prevention/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.

Toll Free: 1-800-225-0292

Paralysis Resource Center: 973-467-8270

The Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research, and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information and advocacy.

              Information on support for PTSD and Addiction

Helpline available 24/7: call 866-351-3840

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.

https://hopeafterheadinjury.com/share-your-story

Hope After Head Injury exists to bring hope to those who have been impacted by brain injury in their life, whether going through the experience themselves or caring for a loved one. They understand that the journey through head trauma is a road that when walked alone can be scary and lonely. Through the voices of brain injury survivors and caregivers they provide awareness, encouragement, and hope. Click the link to learn more about Hope After Head Injury.

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.

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.

Telephone: 1-800-273-8255

(202) 467-8700

The National Center for Victims of Crimes 1. Advocates for Stronger Rights, Protections, and Services for Crime Victims, 2. Provides Education, Training, and Evaluation, and 3. Serves as a Trusted Source of Current Information on Victims’ Issues. This website helps survivors and families find local assistance, learn about crime and its effects, and browse resources to help victims of crime to rebuild their lives. (Also see VictimConnect Resource Center)

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.

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

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

The Neurocritical Care Society provides and advocates for the highest quality of care for patients with critical neurological illness. It promotes skilled and compassionate patient care, professional collaboration, research, training and education, and advocacy. Click the links to learn more about the the Neurocritical Care Society and view a PDF of its patient and family brochure.

The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) is the only non-regulatory federal agency that promotes policies and coordinates with employers and all levels of government to increase workplace success for people with disabilities.

    • Office of Personal Management, Federal Employment of People with Disabilities: – https://www.opm.gov/

The Federal Government is actively recruiting and hiring persons with disabilities. We offer a variety of exciting jobs, competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and opportunities for career advancement.

https://www.mhanational.org/im-looking-mental-health-help-myself

If you have gone through a traumatic experience, it is normal to feel emotions such as distress, fear, helplessness, guilt, shame, or anger. If these symptoms don’t go away over time, you may have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Visit this website from Mental Health America to find out about PTSD and ways you can help yourself or a family member who may be suffering from PTSD.

Our mission — to provide leadership and resources to assist state and other agencies in providing vocational rehabilitation (VR) and other services to individuals with disabilities to maximize their employment, independence and integration into the community and the competitive labor market.

    • The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline (SAMHSA) – samhsa.gov

This helpline provides 24-hour free and confidential treatment information about mental and/or substance use disorders, prevention, and recovery in English and Spanish. The SAMHSA website also offers a treatment locator to identify local mental health providers. For assistance, call 1-800-662-HELP, TTY: 1-800-487-4889, or visit www.samhsa.gov/

The Friends and Family of Chic Kelly is dedicated to improving the quality of life for victims of spinal cord injury (SCI). It provides funding for SCI individuals to help with educational, physical, or medical needs. It is also committed to finding a cure for spinal cord injury. Visit the website to find out more information and how get involved

1(877)774-6380

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

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.

    • VictimConnect Resource Center – org

            1-855-4VICTIM (1-855-484-2846)

Chat.VictimConnect.org

The VictimConnect Resource Center is a referral helpline where crime victims can learn about their rights and options confidentially and compassionately. As a program of the National Center for Victims of Crime, it combines: a telephone-based helpline, online chat, online information, and service referrals            

Pediatric Resources:

    • Center for Disease Control and Prevention:

Youth Violence Prevention Resources – www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/youthviolence/index.html

1-800-232-4636

TTY: 888-232-6348

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention funds national research and specializes in health education, resources, and raising awareness. Youth violence is a serious problem that can have lasting harmful effects on victims and their family, friends, and communities. Youth Violence Prevention efforts should aim to reduce factors that place youth at risk for perpetrating violence, and promote factors that protect youth at risk for violence. Many prevention tools have been developed and implemented; many of these prevention programs and strategies have been evaluated, and found to be effective at preventing violence and related behaviors among youth.

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.

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.

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. 

https://childrengrieve.org/resources

The National Alliance for Grieving Children (NAGC) is a nonprofit organization that raises awareness about the needs of children and teens who are grieving a death and provides education and resources for anyone who supports them. The NAGC is a nationwide network to promote best practices, education, and critical resources to support the mental, emotional and physical health of grieving children and their families.

The National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement (NCSCB) at the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work is dedicated to helping schools support their students through crisis and loss. They assist schools and communities in the U.S. and abroad cope in the aftermath of tragedy in helping to support resilience after crisis and traumatic events.

Telephone: 1-877-536-2722

    • National Child Traumatic Stress Network

www.nctsn.org

https://www.nctsn.org/audiences/families-and-caregivers

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.

Telephone: (310) 235-2633

https://www.phoenix-society.org/resources

The Phoenix Society is a strong voice for burn survivors, their families, and their caretakers—advocating that healing is life-long process. They focus on information and resources for families of survivors in recovery.

1-800-273-8255

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.

    • The Trevor Project – thetrevorproject.org

866-488-7386 (Crisis Lifeline for LGBTQ Youth) or Text ‘START” to 678-678

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.

    • Teen Line – teenlineonline.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.

    • Understood – understood.org

https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/your-childs-rights/basics-about-childs-rights/individuals-with-disabilities-education-act-idea-what-you-need-to-know

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.

The purpose of this guidance is to assist educators, parents, and state and local educational agencies in implementing the requirements of Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) regarding Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for children with disabilities, including preschool-aged children.

Telephone: 1-800-872-5327

Find information for children with disabilities and their families who want to explore resources on infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities

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.

    • gov – https://youth.gov/

This is a U.S. government website that helps you create, maintain, and strengthen effective youth programs. Included are youth facts, funding information, and tools to help you assess community assets, generate maps of local and federal resources, search for evidence-based youth programs, and keep up-to-date on the latest, youth-related news.

The International Society of Traumatic Stress Studies is dedicated to sharing information about the effects of trauma and the discovery of programs and services to reduce traumatic stressors and their long-term consequences. For more information, visit this website.

Resources for Veterans

Help Raise PTSD Awareness – PTSD: National Center for PTSD (va.gov)