This post highlights the impact of Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) in the City of Milwaukee Health Department's (MHD) work, showcasing how a thoughtful, empathetic approach can save lives while advancing health equity. The story shared below is based on real events, though the client’s name has been changed to protect their privacy and identity.
Mariah’s Journey: Trust, Empowerment, and Life-Saving Care
When Cameron Anderson, a Public Health Social Worker with MHD’s Empowering Families of Milwaukee (EFM) program, first met Mariah, a Black, first-time mother, Mariah was just days away from giving birth. Their connection would soon prove to be a life-saving partnership — not just between a client and a caseworker, but between a woman in crisis and the trusted support she needed.
Mariah was facing the kind of stress that far too many Milwaukee mothers experience: poverty, systemic challenges, and a healthcare system that often overlooks Black women’s voices. But with Anderson’s trauma-informed approach — one grounded in empathy, listening, and empowerment — Mariah found herself not only heard but actively supported every step of the way.
When Mariah was discharged from the hospital with her newborn, Anderson noticed swelling in her legs and gently educated her on the signs of preeclampsia, a potentially life-threatening condition. This initial interaction established trust, and Mariah felt empowered to reach out the very next day when she experienced difficulties with breastfeeding. Anderson quickly arranged a home visit with a Certified Lactation Consultant, during which Mariah revealed worsening symptoms. Anderson compassionately reinforced the earlier conversation about preeclampsia, encouraging Mariah to advocate for her health.
A few days later, Mariah’s symptoms became critical. While experiencing heavy bleeding, persistent fatigue, swelling, and new weakness, Mariah reached out to Anderson again. Although hesitant to go to the ER, Mariah agreed to attend a doctor’s appointment. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Anderson arranged transportation for Mariah — and, importantly, advocated for her partner to accompany her. This consideration ensured Mariah had the emotional and physical support she needed during a critical moment. Anderson also met them at the clinic to provide additional support and advocacy.
At the appointment, Mariah described her symptoms, including new weakness on one side of her body. Within minutes, the doctor called 911, and Mariah was transported to the hospital by ambulance. Thanks to Anderson’s trauma-informed approach, Mariah received the life-saving care she needed — care she might not have sought without the trust and support Anderson provided. 
Mariah’s story is a powerful example of how TIC creates opportunities for clients to feel empowered, respected, and safe in advocating for their health. It’s also a testament to the critical role MHD staff play in ensuring equitable care for Milwaukee families.
Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) at MHD
TIC is at the heart of MHD’s work, and stories like Mariah’s illustrate its transformative power. This approach goes beyond individual client interactions, embedding itself into the very culture and practices of the department. Guided by MHD’s 2019 declaration that racism is a public health crisis, the department is committed to becoming an anti-racist organization. This commitment is reflected in its 2022–2027 Strategic Plan, which emphasizes two key pillars: Culture and People. These pillars focus on anti-racism competency, re-centering workplace culture, staff recovery, and workforce development.
This thoughtful, self-reflective approach extends to tackling systemic issues like implicit bias and the overrepresentation of marginalized populations in child welfare and justice systems. Milwaukee’s deep-rooted challenges make this work even more critical. Nearly a quarter of Milwaukee residents live in poverty, including almost 40% of Black residents.1 Transportation barriers and segregation further limit access to care, contributing to significant gaps in health outcomes. For instance, the average age of death for Black residents in Milwaukee is 12 years lower than for white residents.
Through internal education, exploration, and creating spaces for employees to be authentic, MHD seeks to build a foundation for a more inclusive workforce. This internal culture shift has a direct impact on public health outcomes, helping to break down barriers to equitable care and improving service delivery for Milwaukee’s diverse communities.
What is Trauma-Informed Care?
At its core, TIC is about recognizing the widespread effects of trauma and ensuring that care environments are safe, equitable, and empowering. Key principles include:
- Understanding Trauma’s Impact: Recognizing how trauma manifests in individuals and communities.
- Pathways to Recovery: Supporting clients in healing and fostering resilience.
- Preventing Re-Traumatization: Creating safe spaces and avoiding triggering practices.
- Supporting Staff Wellness: Promoting empathy and reducing burnout to foster a healthy work culture.
- Equity and Anti-Racism: Addressing trauma's intersection with systemic racism and prioritizing racial equity.
By embedding TIC principles into its policies and practices, MHD is fostering a culture of inclusion and care. This not only strengthens outcomes for clients like Mariah but also benefits the department’s workforce, reducing burnout and creating a more supportive environment for employees.