Hello everyone and welcome to another Wondering Wednesday. This is where we examine what is working or has been introduced in other parts of the world and explore the value of adapting those ideas and concepts to the Caribbean.
Today we are examining some of the components of a report published in December 2020 by the State of California in the USA. Titled "Roadmap for Resilience: The California Surgeon General’s Report on Adverse Childhood Experiences, Toxic Stress, and Health", it is self-described as "a blueprint for how communities, states, and nations can recognize and effectively address Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and toxic stress as a root cause to some of the most harmful, persistent, and expensive societal and health challenges facing our world today."
The work of California's first Surgeon General, Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, the report "provides clear cross-sector and equitable response solutions, models, and best practices to be replicated or tailored to serve community needs. This comprehensive report brings together insights from global experts across sectors, specialties, and disciplines to promote science-based approaches to primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention strategies for ACEs and toxic stress."
"The report further specifies a sector-specific and cross-sector roadmap for addressing ACEs and toxic stress at the state level, prioritizing prevention, early detection, evidence-based interventions and equity in outcomes, highlighting the need for enhanced coordination across the following sectors: healthcare; public health; social services; early childhood; education; and justice."
Below is a snapshot of its Guiding Principles.
This is an insightful read, especially for those who wish to introduce ACEs science to the Caribbean but may be concerned as to how to embark upon the process when using information from developed nations.
A benefit to speaking about the work of Dr Nadine Burke-Harris to Caribbean medical professionals and policy-makers may be that she is "one of us" - she was born in Canada to Jamaican parents and grew up in Jamaica for a few years before relocating to the USA.
The full report can be downloaded from the link below or by clicking on the image of its cover.
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