Countering the effects of early childhood trauma

The Capital Times - Guest Column - October 20, 2012

Conservative columnist David Brooks, in his most recent 9/7/12 editorial in the New York Times discusses how early childhood traumas and risk factors sew the seeds of later physical and behavioral problems in adults. His solution was for much greater coordination and cooperation of all those who serve our youngest children.

To continue this early neglect of our youngest citizens that ultimately results each year in billions of dollars being spent in treating our most chronically ill adults is perhaps the number one reason for our country’s ever growing health care crisis.  

Fortunately for American taxpayer, Obama’s administration, his Department of Health and Human Services, and its Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration have already recognized this health and economic reality and have a sound and comprehensive solution to this ballooning health care crisis.

Called Project Launch, simply stated, the health and future prosperity of our country requires a greater investment in the physical and emotional health of our youngest children. The project presently consists of 35 communities who are pioneering new ways to promote and sustain young child wellness. The project’s target is children from birth through 8. The goal is for all children to reach their physical, social, emotional, behavioral, and cognitive milestones.

Project Launch has five prevention and promotional strategies. These strategies should be upper most in the mind of every taxpayer who goes to the polls in November. If you are a citizen and taxpayer and concerned about the ever spiraling costs of health care and your increasing health insurance costs, support the present Administration. Your vote will mean that your supporting the continuation of  the following actions to end our health care crisis:

1. Health screening and assessments for every child birth through 8.
2. Integrate behavioral health care into primary health care settings.
3. Mental health consultation in all early child care and education settings.
4. Increasing focus on social and emotional well being.
5. Expand use of culturally-relevant evidenced-based prevention and wellness practices.

See you at the polls!

Benedict is a mental health reform advocate and blogs at danecountyalmanac.blogspot.com