Joint Press Release:
St. Mary’s County Health Department
St. Mary’s County Library
St. Mary’s County Early Childhood Advisory Council
LEONARDTOWN, MD (July 12, 2022) – The Violence, Injury, & Trauma action team of the Healthy St. Mary’s Partnership (HSMP), in partnership with the St. Mary’s County Library and the Early Childhood Advisory Council is hosting two free showings of the film Paper Tigers, a documentary about a high school that has radically changed its approach to disciplining students, and in the process has become a promising model for how to break the cycles of poverty, violence, and poor health.
Screenings will be offered on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, July 30, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at the Lexington Park Library, located at 21677 Franklin Delano Roosevelt Blvd in Lexington Park. Each showing will include a guided discussion for attendees after viewing, refreshments, and local resources on adverse childhood experiences.
To register, please visit https://paper-tigers-SMC.eventbrite.com
Paper Tigers is a close look into the lives of students at a school that specializes in educating traumatized youth. Set in the rural community of Walla Walla, WA, the film examines the inspiring promise of Trauma-Informed Communities in healing youth struggling with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Using a combination of verite and revealing diary cam footage, Paper Tigers is a testament to how caring adults can help break the cycle of adversity in a young person’s life. The film is directed and produced by James Redford with executive producer Karen Pritzker through KPJR Films, LLC.
“This powerful documentary spotlights the impact of adverse childhood experiences and the vital role a community has in fostering resilience in its young people,” said Dr. Meena Brewster, St. Mary’s County Health Officer and HSMP Co-Chair.
For more information on Paper Tigers or to view the trailer, please visit: papertigersmovie.com.
For more information on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), please visit: smchd.org/aces.
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The Healthy St. Mary’s Partnership is a community-driven coalition of partners working together to improve health in St. Mary’s County, Maryland. The coalition mobilizes members through action teams to address the priority health issues in St. Mary’s. Joining the Healthy St. Mary’s Partnership is free and all interested organizations and community members are welcome. For more information, visit: healthystmarys.com.