SSM Health, in partnership with the UW Platteville – Baraboo, Sauk County Public Health and the House of Wellness hosted two free community screenings of the Dr. Gabor Mate film, The Wisdom of Trauma in April of 2023.
 
The idea for the screenings was brought forth by SSM Health Addiction Medicine and Family Medicine provider, Dr. Cheryl R. Goeckermann and grew into a community mental health partnership with the help of SSM Health Community Health Manager for Baraboo, Nikeya Bramlett.
 
Dr. Goeckermann shared, “I work exclusively with patients with substance use disorders, and they have all experienced some degree of trauma. I find there is a lack of understanding about this—in the clinic, in the community and in the patients themselves. I’m excited to share Dr. Mate’s film with the community to educate and increase awareness about trauma and its effects on people and their lives.”
 
The film provides a journey with a man who has dedicated his life to understanding the connection between illness, addiction, trauma, and society. It has been seen by over 6 million people from 230 countries and was attended by over 100 people in the Baraboo area, who were also provided mental health support at the screenings. The success of the Baraboo initiative has spurred conversations in other SSM Health markets to consider hosting screenings in their communities as well.