Social Determinants
Trauma does not exist as an isolated incident in a person's life or at one point in time. Stressful and overwhelming experiences are cumulative, and it is impossible to separate the impact of past trauma from ongoing experiences of stress.
Thus in treating trauma, we must address ongoing experiences of stress, oppression, discrimination, or powerlessness, which can be defined as structural violence. This allows us to see patients with greater compassion and identify structural conditions that we can try to change.
How we can help
- Screening for poverty
- ODSP/OW paperwork completion and support
- Special diet allowances
- Activities of daily living index
- Work/School/notes and forms at no charge
- WSIB claims
- Advocacy for equity in health care