When a victim of violent crime enters the Emergency Room looking for help, they will be physically and medically cared for. But while physical wounds can heal, often emotional scars remain.

Mercy Health is proud to announce the Mercy Health – Toledo Trauma Recovery Center (TRC) – a grant-funded outpatient program that provides services to victims of crime. With the help of a Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant through the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, trauma recovery services will be available to all Ohio residents who have been a victim of crime. A clinical team of licensed social workers, clinical counselors and a victim advocate will help provide service to adults, children and their family members.

Mercy Health – Toledo TRC is the only Trauma Recovery Center of its kind in northwest Ohio. Since taking referrals beginning May 1, the program has received more 200 referrals from Lucas County courts and local emergency rooms. Those receiving help are victims of crime and their families as a result of abuse, assault, domestic violence, stalking and human trafficking.

“Our goal is to reach victims that would not usually seek services,” said John Leskovan, MD, medical director of Mercy Health Trauma Services. “Mercy Health believes in providing comprehensive care to those who have been victims of crime so as to assist them as they work toward rebuilding their lives. The Trauma Recovery Centers aligns with the Mercy Health Mission of bringing good help to those in need as we serve all in our community.”

The program will work with each survivor to help them learn how to recognize and cope with symptoms and to move toward healing and recovery through evidenced-based therapy and clinical interventions. 

Services provided will include:

  • Clinical case management and advocacy for victims of crime
  • Trauma-focused counseling for children and adult
  • Screening and treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Group therapy
  • Legal and court advocacy to assist the victim with information and education including assistance with filing for victims’ crime compensation
  • Assistance with resources such as emergency housing, legal, transportation, food and clothing and other resources
  • Education and family support on trauma and the journey of healing

Mercy Health – St. Vincent Medical Center was awarded the $600,000 VOCA grant in late 2018 to help build the TRC. Located within Mercy Health – St. Vincent Medical Center, the center will provide service to all in the community who have been victims of crime.  

“We already have some amazing success stories of recovery and healing. Victims and their loved ones are in treatment and the healing process continues,” said OraLee Macklear, LISW-S, LCDC III, CEAP, supervisor, Mercy Health Toledo Trauma Recovery Center. “The services that we are able to offer our community helps to increase the community’s awareness of how trauma, if left untreated, can have life-long adverse effects. This is part of Mercy Health being proactive with educating on the need of trauma informed care today.”

The Mercy Health – Trauma Recovery Center is located in Mercy Health – St. Vincent Medical Center. For questions, contact the TRC team at 419-251-0707.