IL HR0248

Declares May 15, 2019 as Trauma-Informed Awareness Day in Illinois to highlight trauma impacts and prevention through community resilience.

Calls on Illinois state legislators to acknowledge early childhood brain development and toxic stress principles when making policy decisions, emphasizing early intervention and investment in early childhood years.

Directs state agencies including the Department of Children and Family Services, Department of Public Health, Department of Juvenile Justice, and Department of Corrections to become informed about adverse childhood experiences and trauma-informed care practices.

Establishes that nearly 60% of non-institutionalized Illinois adults (approximately 5 million residents) report at least one adverse childhood experience, with significant health correlations including increased risks of suicide, heart disease, obesity, substance abuse, and depression.

Recognizes that individuals with six or more adverse childhood experiences live on average 20 years less than those with zero experiences, and that 75% of individuals with substance use disorders have experienced trauma.