New Course at Malcolm X College Offers New Approach to Support Caregivers of Veterans, Police, Firefighters, and Others Suffering in Silence Due to Trauma

CHICAGO (February 7, 2023) – The Chicago Caregivers Course, a two-day symposium to introduce a new approach to supporting caregivers of veterans, police, firefighters, first responders, and trauma victims in the city of Chicago, will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on February 21 and 22 at Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Jackson Street in Chicago.

The symposium is free and open to the general public. In-person and virtual attendance options are available. Registration is now open.

The symposium will serve to pilot an ongoing caregivers course that will be offered beginning this summer (2023) and taught at Malcolm X College by faculty from the University of Chicago and City Colleges of Chicago.

“This program is unique in that it broadens the scope of outreach to trauma victims beyond the veteran community,” said Terrell Odom, Director of the University of Chicago’s Office for Military-Affiliated Communities (OMAC). “We believe that this is one of the first courses of its kind geared toward trauma victims as a whole. Different communities encounter trauma differently, but all caregivers and victims are experiencing similar challenges.”

The summer course will be a four-week program that teaches caregivers how to practice self-care for themselves, perform basic first aid, safely move patients, care for wounds, and connect to various community resources.

“Trauma doesn’t discriminate whether you are on active duty, a veteran, first responder, or a civilian. Everyone potentially could be impacted by it. One way we can all help is by learning more about how to best support not only the victims of trauma but those who provide the care for the victims,” said Darryl Williams, Vice Chancellor of City Colleges of Chicago. “The Caregivers Course available at Malcolm X College this summer will work to strengthen support systems for those impacted by trauma. It will help assist in the healing process and connect caregivers to the resources they deserve. We are very proud to be a partner in this critical work.”

The symposium is offered in partnership with the University’s OMAC; Office of Civic Engagement; UChicago Medicine Trauma Center; and the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice. External partners include the City Colleges of Chicago, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, and the Gary Sinise Foundation.