House committee looks into addressing childhood trauma

The House Oversight and Reform Committee yesterday held a hearing on identifying, preventing, and treating childhood trauma, calling it a “public health issue” that warranted more federal attention. Those who have experienced childhood trauma — including domestic and sexual abuse — testified before the committee and detailed the depression and anxiety that followed. “Trauma at its core is an individual experience, but we are all impacted in some way ourselves or those we care deeply about,” said William Kellibrew, whose experience with domestic violence and work to help others affected by trauma led to the founding of the William Killibrew Foundation, where he serves as president. Adolescent and mental health experts also shared how multiple adverse events in childhood have been linked to higher rates of alcohol and drug abuse, and offered strategies, including better screening, to address the problem.