An integrative approach seeks to combine traditional medical care with a broader understanding of the whole person. People are emotional, mental, social, spiritual, as well as physical beings. Wellness approaches have been shown to improve both physical and mental health by supporting healing from physical and emotional trauma and psychological distress, and by improving pain management, sleep, health-related quality of life, body strength, and social and emotional outcomes.
From community conversations, DC Health consistently heard about resilience. We also heard a desire to support this resilience with expanded availability of mental health services, as well as initiatives that support general well-being.
To better engage the whole-person health of the community, DC Health will develop wellness and integrative health services and expand mental health, trauma, and psychosocial programs through the following activities:
