Resilience in the Wake: Trauma-Informed Communication After the Storm

In 2018, Hurricane Florence devastated coastal North Carolina, leaving Yvonne Pittaway's home in Carteret County torn apart, and her missing it. After Hurricane Helene tore through North Carolina, residents faced more than just physical devastation, too—they grappled with the emotional aftermath. In this episode of Storm Stories, Brandon Romstadt of WNC Health Network shares how public health communicators crafted trauma-informed messaging to support storm survivors, while environmental epidemiologist Jen Runkle starts to talk about the intersection of disaster, sadness and fear that emerged after Hurricane Florence.

Trauma-Informed Communication: 10 Essential Tips for Nonprofits

Educate Your Team: Ensure all staff understand trauma and its effects.

Empathic Language: Use language that validates feelings and experiences.

Clarity is Key: Provide clear, consistent, and accessible information.

Engage Community Voices: Involve survivors in shaping messaging.

Prioritize Safety: Create messaging that avoids triggering traumatic memories.

Focus on Strengths: Emphasize resilience and available support.

Tailor Communication: Adapt messages for diverse audiences and needs.

Use Multiple Channels: Distribute information via trusted platforms.

Foster Trust: Maintain transparency about recovery efforts.

Review and Adapt: Regularly assess and update communication strategies.

Support the show