Project Connect Idaho

Project Connect continues to expand across Idaho, as many more health and domestic and sexual violence providers see valuable impact through the Project Connect Approach. Public health, school-based, and private sector health providers are offering anticipatory guidance on healthy relationships, screening for relationship abuse and reproductive coercion, and linking supportive referrals for those who disclose abuse and would like support. Individual practices and organizational policies are reflecting a trauma informed approach. Partnerships between community based providers have strengthened. Formal outcome studies indicate results in Idaho that mirror national data: Project Connect improves safety and health outcomes. Why wouldn’t we implement practices and policies that help create brighter futures?

Quotes

• “I cannot stress enough the need for more sensitive and trauma-informed discussions within health care settings, especially considering the fact that I have never had a conversation about healthy relationships with any of my doctors.” – 19 year-old male
• “Project Connect sees the opportunities that exist in what might otherwise seem like routine visits to a healthcare provider. Project Connect sees the potential to create positive experiences of disclosures for adolescents. Project Connect sees my specific needs, and most importantly, they see me.” – 24 year-old female
• “Project Connect training gave us the tools and comfort to do the screening as part of a routine patient encounter. But even more, it’s helped us build bridges of hope and health for our adolescents – even the ones that in the past seemed impossible to reach.” – Health Provider
• “I truly believe that the seeds these cards are planting will create a huge harvest that may grow in cracks and alleys that we will never get to appreciate…..but know they are out there!” – Health Provider