Ronald McDonald House Greater Cincinnati (U.S.) - Serve More Families, Better (Core) Awardee

The “Paving the way to a Trauma-informed Culture” from Ronald McDonald House Greater Cincinnati educates staff and other Chapters on addressing the unique needs of families and staff through trauma informed care.

After years of research and training, Ronald McDonald House Greater Cincinnati began implementing a culture that is “trauma informed” in 2022. This included learning about signs of trauma, understanding its implications, and serving guest families from a trauma informed place. It also means being aware of the implications of trauma on fellow staff members from the work they do.

“Families can have a comfortable bed, food to eat and free resources like laundry, showers, and more and still not feel safe. We cannot just tell families they are safe here because their worlds have been turned upside down.” Sarah Curry, Communication Manager shared. “People in a state of trauma experience what may be considered a real or perceived threat. We may be here to help, but they must believe it by the way we act and treat them.”

The benefits of this program include:

Currently, Ronald McDonald House Greater Cincinnati works with over 75 other Ronald McDonald House Chapters to help create Trauma-informed Cultures.

Ronald McDonald House Alabama  - “Family Life Program”

Ronald McDonald House Argentina  - “Tackling Pediatric Healthcare Inequality in Argentina”

Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon  - “Medical Play Program”

Ronald McDonald House of the Philadelphia Region  - “Audrey E. Evans Center for Family Support Services”