Easterseals PORT Health

June is National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month. We had the opportunity to sit down with Mariela, a Child First Mental Health Clinician, as she shares how our Child First program supports children with PTSD with trauma-informed care.

"Child First delivers evidence‑based therapy for children ages 0–5 who’ve experienced trauma. We help families understand PTSD‑related behaviors and build supportive home environments that promote healing."

🔗Read the full story at eastersealsPORT.com/ptsd2026

ESPH was a proud sponsor of the i2i Center for Integrative Health Spring Conference!

We had a wonderful time connecting with fellow leaders in behavioral healthcare. The sessions included discussions on important issues affecting individuals with behavioral and developmental disabilities and primary healthcare in North Carolina. Together, we’re making a difference! 💪💙

A special shoutout to our raffle winner, Nicole McKinney from Collaborative Health Network, who won a homemade ice cream maker, perfect for the start of summer!

Start the summer off right with EMPOWER Summer Camps! ☀️

Jason and his mom, Chaniece, shared their story about how much the program has meant to them. This will be Jason's third summer attending EMPOWER Summer Camp in Elizabeth City, NC.

“I’ve seen a remarkable improvement in Jason’s communication skills, confidence and social-emotional development since he’s been going to EMPOWER Summer Camp. He’s become more verbal, more engaged with his peers and increasingly more comfortable participating in group activities.”

🔗Read their full story at eastersealsPORT.com/summercamp2026/

Earlier this month, NC START hosted its second annual Garden Party, bringing team members together to refresh the therapeutic garden space!🌱

North Carolina Systemic, Therapeutic, Assessment, Resources and Treatment (NC START) is a statewide community crisis prevention and intervention program. Their garden supports sensory engagement and promotes PERMA, a positive‑psychology framework that strengthens well‑being and resilience.

The team prepared beds filled with fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers, including dedicated tea and cooking herb beds and a raised bed where guests choose what to plant. Throughout the season, guests help harvest, cook with the produce and enjoy sensory walks through the garden.

Even our gazebo is thoughtfully planted with bee‑deterring greenery to keep the space welcoming for everyone! 🐝