homelessness

Nearly 90% of people experiencing homelessness have endured significant trauma before the age of 18. And those who have adverse childhood experiences are also more likely to develop serious mental health conditions, writes Kevin Norton, a public health professional and trauma survivor. He urges Santa Cruz County to expand trauma screening and public education, especially if we want to truly support unhoused people.

First responders in Santa Cruz County need more trauma-informed services, writes Kevin Norton, who holds a master’s in public health and who has experienced trauma firsthand. About 38% of calls to Santa Cruz police now involve mental health issues, substance use and homelessness, he writes. The toll is wearing on those who respond and he is not surprised by a 2017 study showing more American police officers and emergency medical services professionals died by suicide than in the line of duty. Since 1992, Santa Cruz’s population has increased by 23%, but calls to the fire department increased by 163%, with the majority being medical calls, Norton writes. We need to do more, he says, to help our emergency service workers.