The Gillian Reny Stepping Strong Center for Trauma Innovation is dedicated to raising awareness of the global burden of trauma and advancing policies that improve the lives of survivors. Through education, community engagement, and supporting initiatives aimed at systemic change, the center seeks to foster a broader public understanding of the impact of trauma and the need for comprehensive action.
What We’re
Focused On
The Stepping Strong Center is actively engaged in local and national advocacy efforts to address trauma as a public health crisis. In collaboration with policymakers, healthcare organizations, and community leaders, the center works to shape legislation and promote initiatives that better support trauma survivors. With a focus on priorities such as advancing prevention strategies, enhancing trauma care, and improving long-term recovery, the center ensures that the latest research and educational resources inform public health approaches.
Advocacy Programs
Locally, the Stepping Strong Center is leading projects that are fostering resilient communities and driving powerful change to improve outcomes for residents.
Safe Streets Advocacy Program
The Stepping Strong Center has partnered with WalkMassachusetts to create a pedestrian advocacy training program that educates community members on the importance of pedestrian safety, cost-effective solutions, and how to advocate for small-scale traffic safety improvements in their neighborhoods.
Naloxone Advocacy Education Training Program
Through the Naloxone Advocacy Education Training Program, the Stepping Strong Center has worked with policymakers to advocate for naloxone training to be mandated for all high school students across Massachusetts. This curriculum covers how to recognize and respond to an overdose, how to administer naloxone, and where to access naloxone within their communities.
Advocacy Highlights
White House Opioid Challenge
In 2024, the Stepping Strong Center was invited to join the White House Challenge to Save Lives from Opioid Overdose for our program to train hospitality staff in emergency response techniques. This national initiative aims to increase training on, and access to, lifesaving opioid overdose reversal medications, like naloxone.
Injury Prevention Day
In recognition of National Injury Prevention Day, the Stepping Strong Center hosts an annual system-wide illumination of Mass General Brigham landmark buildings, shining a green light—the color representing the observance—on the critical need for injury prevention efforts across healthcare, community, and policy realms to build safer communities. In 2024, the center received a signed proclamation from Governor Maura Healey’s Office, officially declaring November 18 as Injury Prevention Day in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Advocacy Day
Across the nation, leading healthcare organizations host advocacy days to inspire change and encourage action. The Stepping Strong Center’s leadership regularly participates in these events, offering a trauma-informed perspective to ensure its inclusion across various health disciplines.
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