New data on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in Iowa and their impact on adult health and behaviors was analyzed at a DMU lunch and learn on October 14. Nadine Burke Harris, M.D., FAAP, M.P.H., discussed why this new data is important to understanding the health and well-being of children and adults and how health care providers can address toxic stress in families.
Burke Harris is the founder and CEO of Center for Youth Wellness, which integrates medical, mental health, holistic and social services for an evidence-based approach to improving the health and well-being of urban youth. The goal of the center is to develop a clinical model that recognizes and effectively treats toxic stress in children.
The ACE Study measured 10 types of adverse childhood experiences. Findings from the study provide a critical step in understanding and addressing many of Iowa’s most costly medical, psychiatric and social problems. “Our two most important findings are that these adverse childhood experiences are vastly more common than recognized or acknowledged and have a powerful relation to adult health a half-century later,” said Vincent J. Felitti,M.D, co-investigator of the study.
View the presentation at connect.dmu.edu/p8qeyeitxhb. For more information and resources about Iowa ACEs, visit www.iowaaces360.org/summit-resources.html.
