San Juan Basin Public Health is partnering with Pediatric Partners of the Southwest to host a film screening and panel discussion at the Durango Arts Center about building resiliency and wellness in adolescents.
“We are going to talk about adverse childhood experiences and the impact that trauma has on children in our community,” said Kristin Polens, Pediatric Partners clinic director.
The organizations will screen “Paper Tigers,” a 2015 documentary that follows six troubled teens over the course of a year at Lincoln Alternative High School in Walla Walla, Washington, as they attempt to overcome traumatic events in their lives.
After the film, a panel of physicians, school officials and others will facilitate a discussion about becoming a trauma-informed community.
“They will open the floor to talk about concerns within the community and how we can begin to work together to look at the next steps. Our goal is to bring community members together to begin discussion about how to collaboratively build resiliency in our community’s youth,” Polens said.
Polens said she will introduce some of the work being done at Pediatric Partners through a collaboration with Johns Hopkins School of Public Health.
“Johns Hopkins is working with several primary care practices across the country. We are beginning to look at the impact of trauma and what we can do with that information. How do we change the perspective?” Polens said.
Punishing, demeaning or alienating youths acting out are not always the solution, Polens said.
“Oftentimes, behaviors we see in our children are not just children acting out for attention. These stressors impact all facets of a child’s growth and development. My goal is to provide more education to our community ... to support adolescents in ways to help build resilience and trust,” Polens said.
mrupani@durangoherald.com
If you go
A reception will begin at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, then a screening of “Paper Tigers.”
After the film, there will be a panel discussion with local professionals.
Those interested in attending the event are encouraged to RSVP by emailing Gordon South at GSouth@sjbpublichealth.org.
