Our mission: Collaboration to heal trauma in Milwaukee and create a resilient community

Trauma does not discriminate. It is present across all skin colors, socioeconomic statuses and zip codes.

We’ve seen trauma in our own lives with those near us, including struggles with mental health and the devastation of suicide. Recent celebrity deaths have brought increased conversation around these difficult topics.  

This is why we’ve been involved in efforts such as ending the stigma of mental illness at Marquette University and providing resources through the non-profit REDgen. 

But we also know that while trauma can impact anyone, not everyone has the same access to healing resources. There is stark disparity in Milwaukee. It is also necessary to recognize and acknowledge the impact of being exposed to microaggressions, implicit bias, racism, sustained poverty and violence.  Too many families are living with the results.

Many forms of generational and historical trauma exist in Milwaukee.  It is our hope that through our initiative, Scaling Wellness in Milwaukee (SWIM), we can begin to bring people together across all systems to address the many challenges we face. Now is the time for dynamic collaboration while embracing cultural humility to solve a complex public health issue.

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It starts with each of us taking a hard look at ourselves first. Do we have unresolved trauma that may be driving our attitudes, behaviors and affecting those around us?  Do we have prejudices or implicit biases that we need to address? Are we informed on the effects of trauma on our stress response, brain, behaviors and health?

The answers to these questions are important and may have unfolded over decades of experiences that will take time to unpack and solve.

There is hope. Milwaukee has many assets and people who work tirelessly to turn the tide from suffering to resilience. If you have walked this journey of healing, you know the difference that genuine compassion can make.  Healing takes time, trust and access to multiple resources. 

Although there is a lot of great work being done, it is not enough to meet the needs.  We must actively work together to have the biggest impact.  With humility and servants’ hearts, we can all be part of the solution in creating a connected Milwaukee community where all can thrive.

Michael Lovell is president of Marquette University and Amy Lovell is the president ofREDgen. More information about how to get involved, visit www.redgen.org  and www.marquette.edu/innovation/the-presidents-challenge.php