Healing, Hope, and Community Resilience
đź“…October 21 | ⏰5 – 6 PM | đź“ŤEmerson Auditorium
About Dr. LJ Punch
Dr. LJ Punch is a transmasculine human, parent, partner, trauma surgeon, and founder of Power4STL, a community of health working to reduce the impact of trauma in the St. Louis region and beyond. Challenging the foundations of clinical care for trauma, his approach brings a human centric focus to what it means to cultivate the conditions of healing for the prevention of future injury. In the wake of the May 16 EF-3 tornado this work has manifested in the cultivation of the 314Oasis, a collective effort in community care in response to climate trauma.
Supporting North St. Louis After the Tornado
When a devastating tornado struck North St. Louis in May 2025, Dr. Punch was among the first to mobilize a community response. He brought together neighbors, volunteers, and local organizations to provide resources, support, and healing-centered care for those affected.
From coordinating emergency aid to creating spaces for emotional recovery, Dr. Punch’s leadership reflected the very heart of resilience—meeting people where they are, offering hope, and showing that healing is possible even in the wake of disaster. His work reminds us that true leadership is not about titles or positions—it’s about lifting up communities, creating connection, and building a future rooted in strength.
In moments like this, we recognize that the trauma of this tornado is just like the trauma of a bullet…we’re bringing out not just basic needs, but care and compassion, active listening, spiritual care, acupuncture, aromatherapy, somatic healing, and all of that’s essential to having a community that can be restored after such a deeply traumatic event.
Event Details
Keynote with Dr. LJ Punch
October 21 | 5 – 6 PM | Emerson Auditorium