Discrimination is increasingly prevalent in today’s society, and its effects on communities across the state and nation are staggering.
- In 2022, 62.2% of hate crime incidents in Connecticut were motivated by discrimination an bias.1
- Adults who experience discrimination are more likely than those who do not to report feeling anxious, lonely, or depressed.2
What is Racial Trauma?
When the effects of discrimination accumulate over time, they can lead to a heightened arousal or nervous system response. Racial trauma is when chronic and complex stress impact an individual’s well-being and functioning.
The Center for Research on Racial Trauma and Community Healing is committed to recognizing the historical and ongoing impact of discrimination on all individuals, communities, and institutions, while working to improve care and promote healing for all. We seek to create an environment that aspires to further inform treatment and provide the highest level of care for our patients, as well as the larger community.
While our focus begins with racial trauma, our work contributes to broader conversations about health equity, trauma-informed care, and healing.
Governance
Our center's governance will consist of Executive Sponsorship, Center Staff, Hartford Healthcare Advisory, and Advisors.
Our center is aligned with the work of Hartford healthCare's centers, institutes, departments and divisions including the HHC Center for Health Equity and HHC Academic Affairs.
References
- Hate Crimes | United States Department of Justice | Hate Crimes | Connecticut. (2022, September 27). https://www.justice.gov/hatecrimes/state-data/connecticut
- New KFF Survey Documents the Extent and Impact of Racism and Discrimination across Several Facets of American Life, Including Health Care. (2023, December 5). KFF. https://www.kff.org/racial-equity-and-health-policy/press-release/new-kff-survey-documents-the-extent-and-impact-of-racism-and-discrimination-across-several-facets-of-american-life-including-health-care/