Build up North Carolina: Statewide Support Infrastructure for a Trauma-Informed and Resilient NC
Launched in early 2023, Build Up is a multi-year initiative by the Hopestar Foundation and North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to strengthen trauma-informed systems and enhance resilience statewide. The program began with cross-sector conversations involving leaders from government, community organizations, and policy experts. These discussions acknowledged the progress made through individual trauma-informed and resiliency-building initiatives but highlighted significant challenges.
Efforts across the state often lack systemic coordination, with fragmented communication, siloed organizations, and unaligned policies and programs. Limited resources are frequently duplicated or competed for, reflecting gaps in state-level strategic leadership and infrastructure support. Build Up addresses these issues through a phased, multi-year approach. The first phase involves co-designing a framework with key stakeholders to identify gaps and opportunities, while the second phase focuses on expanding participation and implementing a coordinated strategy.
By fostering collaboration, aligning partnerships, and driving collective action, Build Up aims to create a unified approach that ensures sustainable progress and long-term impact for North Carolinians.
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