Rep. Denson testifies on bill urging the Governor to declare a state of emergency on childhood trauma

COLUMBUS– State Rep. Sedrick Denson (D-Cincinnati) today provided sponsor testimony before the Ohio House Behavioral Health and Recovery Supports Committee on House Concurrent Resolution (HCR) 14, which urges Gov. DeWine to declare that childhood is in a state of emergency due to adverse childhood experiences.

“It is imperative that we provide Ohio’s young people with the tools and resources necessary to thrive. The pervasive nature of racism makes Black and brown kids more likely to experience trauma. Poverty also causes significant trauma, which has sadly impacted far too many children throughout Ohio throughout the pandemic,” said Rep. Denson. “We must strive to better understand trauma and its risk factors. Too many of Ohio’s youth are suffering from their trauma and adverse childhood experiences. We owe it to them to fight for their wellbeing and their future.”

The bill now awaits further hearings in the House Behavioral Health and Recovery Supports Committee.