Whole Health Louisiana is dedicated to advancing trauma awareness, prevention, and healing throughout the state. While our statewide coalition works to build these efforts broadly, we recognize the power and impact of regional groups that focus on trauma prevention in local communities. Whole Health Louisiana seeks to identify, support, and collaborate with existing or emerging regional collectives that can operate as hubs for Whole Health Louisiana.

The regional hubs are networks of local and state-level partners focused on addressing the harmful effects of childhood trauma. They are vital partners in creating sustainable networks of trauma-informed support, resources, and healing tailored to the unique needs of their community. Whole Health Louisiana will work with the regional hubs to establish communication pathways between the statewide coalition, the regional hub, and smaller community-focused groups to break down barriers to trauma-informed and healing-centered resources, strengthen support for the local workforce, and directly address community needs through collaborative solutions.

The Capital Area Regional Hub

In Baton Rouge, the Capital Area Trauma Collaborative (CATC) has emerged as the first Whole Health Louisiana regional hub, sparked by the leadership of Judge David N. Matlock, who united local practitioners and community advocates to meet the growing demand for trauma-informed services for caregivers and children.

Established in fall of 2024, Judge Matlock convened a group of therapists from the Baton Rouge area to address the critical need for increased trauma therapy for those involved in the foster care system. This effort has evolved into a robust collaborative network spanning multiple disciplines, all united in working to reduce childhood trauma throughout the capital area.

The Capital Area Trauma Collaborative, which is now under the leadership of Norman Elrod, executive director of Grace Mid City, aims to create specialized community workgroups to address the region’s unique trauma-related challenges. This effort follows successful models from other Louisiana communities. These workgroups will help sustain momentum beyond the event, fostering ongoing collaboration among providers, educators, and residents. The Capital Area Trauma Collaborative’s mission is clear: to reduce childhood trauma by fostering a strong, collaborative network of professionals and community members dedicated to providing care that is trauma-informed and trauma-wise.

To learn more about the Capital Area Trauma Collaborative, visit their website (opens in a new tab).