Childhood Trauma Emergency Cincinnati is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to educate people about what childhood trauma is, how to recognize the signs, and how to heal. 

Our work helps individuals break free from the pain of childhood trauma. But we also have a larger goal in mind: making changes at the societal level. Changes that will help address the root causes of childhood trauma and treat people who are suffering from it. 

That’s why we are working with government leaders to declare a state of emergency on childhood trauma in Ohio. Declaring a state of emergency would shine a light on childhood trauma and empower state and local governments to release funds to diagnosis, prevent and treat it. 

Building a coalition:

Leading this initiative is Ronald Hummons, an entrepreneur, author and mental health advocate who grew up in Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Hummons’ childhood was marked by abandonment and abuse. He suffered from nightmares, migraines and chronic pain well into adulthood — which he now knows were caused by toxic stress that began when he was a child. In recent years, Hummons has found peace through holistic healing practices and in his efforts to build awareness about childhood trauma. 

In 2018 Hummons staged a 48-hour hunger strike at the Ohio Statehouse to build support for the Ohio government to declare a state of emergency on trauma in the African-American community. Since then, he has been putting together a coalition that includes other concerned community members, mental health professionals and government leaders. 

Momentum is growing. In 2021, Ohio State Rep. Thomas E. Brinkman (R-Cincinnati) and Ohio State Rep. Sedrick Denson (D-Cincinnati) introduced HCR 14, a resolution urging the governor to declare a State of Emergency on Childhood Trauma in Ohio. The resolution advanced to the education committee and continues to garner interest from other lawmakers. 

In 2022, the City of Cincinnati and City of Loraine adapted the language of HCR 14 to create a local resolution, with plans to vote on the resolution later this year. Cincinnati Public Schools has already taken this important step with a state of emergency resolution of its own. 

Childhood trauma affects all of us, directly or indirectly. It leads to broken relationships, crime, depression and suicide, and many other destructive problems. But together, we can make a difference one life, one community, one city at a time. To learn more or be part of the movement, contact Ron Hummons.