THE SEEDS OF NOLA TRAUMA RECOVERY CENTER AT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER NEW ORLEANS HONORS NATIONAL TRAUMA SURVIVORS DAY WITH COMMUNITY CELEBRATION

Louisiana’s first Trauma Recovery Center marks almost three years of serving the community, with hopes to expand services and programs 

Yesterday, the Seeds of NOLA Trauma Recovery Center at University Medical Center (UMC) New Orleans recognized National Trauma Survivors Day with a community-centered event at the hospital. The celebration served to honor the immense resilience of trauma survivors and recognize the network of healthcare workers, emergency responders, loved ones and community organizations that support them throughout their recovery journeys. 

The event commenced with an uplifting musical performance by local artist Tonya Boyd-Cannon, setting a tone of hope and healing for the attendees gathered in the hospital courtyard. The event also featured remarks from hospital leadership and the Director of the Office of Violence Prevention for the City of New Orleans as well as a moving video montage of trauma survivors’ firsthand testimonials. In the video, individuals reflected on the profound, positive impact the Seeds of NOLA Trauma Recovery Center has had on their psychological and emotional rehabilitation. Local advocacy and community partners, such as Ubuntu Village, Southeast Louisiana Legal Services and La Voz de la Comunidad, were on-site with information and resources for survivors and loved ones.  

“Today is all about honoring the hard work that survivors put in every day on their healing journey as well as acknowledging the determination and compassion of those that help them along the way,” said Dr. Erika Rajo, Director of the Seeds of NOLA Trauma Recovery Center at UMC. “We are fortunate to have incredible partners in the violence prevention ecosytem and look forward to continuing collaboration with the City of New Orleans, community organizations and advocates. We could not accomplish this vital work without your support.” 

To foster connection and wellness, attendees participated in various therapeutic activities, including crafting grounding bracelets, a tool used to manage anxiety and trauma triggers, and contributing to a "positive message wall" filled with encouraging notes. Embracing the center’s namesake, guests were also gifted "seed pops" (seed-filled balls ready for planting) to symbolize the ongoing growth and spreading of healing.  

“We are so proud of how far our center has come in the last couple years, with the expansion of services our small but mighty team has been able to provide,” said Dr. Sandy Hyatt, Associate Program Director of the Seeds of NOLA Trauma Recovery Center at UMC. “Our hope is that we can continue to improve access to and education on this critical community resource so that we may serve whoever might need us during their most challenging time.” 

As the first facility of its kind in Louisiana, the Seeds of NOLA Trauma Recovery Center at UMC opened its doors in December 2023 to provide comprehensive, trauma-informed care to community members impacted by violent or traumatic injuries. In just three years, the Trauma Recovery Center grew from 464 patient visits to more than 1,900 — a testament to the urgent, unmet need for trauma-informed care in our community. Assertive outreach contacts surged 44 percent in one year, reflecting the center’s commitment to meeting survivors where they are.  

Established by the Trauma Survivors Network (TSN), National Trauma Survivors Day is a national observance dedicated to recognizing the strength and courage of survivors while uniting the advocates, healthcare professionals and communities that lift them up. The Seeds of NOLA Trauma Recovery Center, a member of TSN, remains committed to ensuring that no survivor has to navigate the healing process alone. More information about the center can be found online at www.umcno.org/traumarecoverycenter. 

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