Check Your Mail!
The ACEs Aware “State of CAre” campaign kicked off in May to raise awareness about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), toxic stress, and the long-term health effects they can have on children and adults if not addressed. The goal is for clinical teams to take the free, online ACEs Aware training and get certified to screen for ACEs.
As part of the campaign, a package of new ACEs Aware materials has been sent to all eligible Medi-Cal providers across the state. In early September, be on the lookout for materials, including a letter from California Surgeon General Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, a poster about ACEs and toxic stress for exam rooms in English and Spanish, and a colorful infographic explaining the importance of screening for ACEs and responding with trauma-informed care.
The posters are also available at no cost via direct download at ACEsAware.org.
New Guidance Regarding Mandated Reporting in California
Individuals who are considered “mandated reporters” – professionals who have regular contact with children or are in a position to observe signs of abuse – are required to report suspected child abuse or neglect to Child Protective Services. Since the ACEs Aware initiative launched, several questions have emerged about the interaction between ACE screening and the mandated reporting requirements. The California Department of Social Services, Department of Health Care Services, and Office of the California Surgeon General have released a joint set of questions and answers designed to help clarify some of these issues.
Mark Your Calendar for September 22, 2021
The Science of Toxic Stress (Part 3)
- How to develop a clinical response to ACEs and toxic stress.
- The science behind each of the evidence-based strategies for toxic stress regulation.
- Examples of clinical interventions for stress-mitigation strategies.
- Examples of internal and external support services for stress-mitigation strategies.
See registration website for full accreditation information.
New ACEs Aware-related Practice Papers Available Now
ACEs Aware Grantees across the state are producing Practice Papers featuring promising strategies and case studies from clinical teams and communities implementing ACE screening and trauma-informed systems of care. Visit ACEsAware.org to read the Practice Papers, including the recently published:
- Adverse Childhood Experiences Event Screening in Rural Northern California: Exploring Provider Perspectives and Experiences (Public Health Institute)
- Adverse Childhood Experiences and Related Life Events: Understanding their Prevalence, Impacts, and Best Practices in Intervening (Western Youth Services)
- Strengths and Barriers in Implementing the ACE Screening Tool in Tribal, Urban Indian, and Rural Settings (Center for Healthy Children and Communities)
In Case You Missed It: The Science of ACEs and Toxic Stress (Part 2) Webinar
The recording and presentation materials are now available from our July webinar, Exploring the Science of ACEs and Toxic Stress, presented by Al Race, Deputy Director and Chief Knowledge Officer from the Harvard University Center on the Developing Child.
The webinar covers:
- The importance of addressing early childhood adversity and its impact on long-term health outcomes.
- The science behind how ACEs and toxic stress can impact brain health and lead to increased risk of ACE-associated Health Conditions.
- Trauma-informed clinical practice changes based on proven science-informed design principles of reducing sources of stress, strengthening core skills, and building responsible relationships.
Clinicians seeking Continuing Medical Education(CME)/Continuing Education (CE) and Maintenance of Certification (MOC) credits* must complete a separate activity evaluation in order to request the CME/CE certificate. Those seeking MOC credits must also successfully complete the post-test with a score of 75% or higher.Please follow CME/MOC instructions available on ACEsAware.org.
The ACE Screening Implementation How-To Guide
The health care setting offers a unique opportunity to help educate patients and families about the impact of ACEs on health and to prevent and treat toxic stress. We recently released a new, first-of-its kind ACE Screening Implementation How-To Guide to give clinical teams a full set of tools and considerations so they can successfully integrate ACE screening and trauma-informed care into their practices.
The How-To Guide provides practical, step-by-step guidance, tools, and resources to help clinics complete their ACE screening implementation journey.
The first stage – Preparing the Foundation – is available now at ACEsAware.org. The second stage – Selecting the Organization’s Approach to Screening - will be released in the coming weeks.
ACEs Online Wellness Engagement Groups - Tuesday Series
The California Medical Association (CMA), an ACEs Aware grantee, is hosting a series of wellness engagement events now through December 2021. Practices are encouraged to bring all involved in the ACE screening process; CMA will provide a $100 meal voucher per webinar to those who invite their care teams.
You do not need to be a CMA member to attend. Visit ACEs Aware Engagement Groups Registration for more information. If you need additional assistance registering or have questions, please email cme@cmadocs.org.
Riverside County Core Training
Riverside University Health System—Public Health and Riverside County Medical Association are hosting a certified Core Training as part of the ACEs Aware initiative. Completing this core training and attesting to completion qualifies clinicians to receive Medi-Cal payment for conducting ACE screenings. This training provides foundational information on ACEs, toxic stress, trauma-informed practices, resiliency, and strategies for implementing ACE screenings. It also highlights examples of connections to local ACEs-related resources and best practices and lessons learned from Riverside County partners, and is targeted to physicians, nurses, residents, physician assistants, students, community health workers, and all other interested partners.
Training sessions* will be offered during the following dates and times:
Part 1: August 26, 2021 | 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Part 2: September 2, 2021| 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Part 1: October 7, 2021 | 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Part 2: October 14, 2021 | 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Constellation Forum 2021: What Comes Next
August 5 | Constellation Forum
California Surgeon General Dr. Nadine Burke Harris talks to Dr. David Battinelli about what comes next for ACEs, trauma and toxic stress, and community health in the pandemic.
Column: How Simone Biles' bravery on mental health can help California heal from COVID-19
August 7 | Los Angeles Times
The recent spotlight on mental health sparked by prominent athletes, such as Simone Biles, could inspire others to proactively address trauma and toxic stress. Dr. Nadine Burke Harris discusses how the ACEs Aware initiative can support Californians struggling with mental health.
Essential Voices with Wilmer Valderrama
August 10 | Essential Voices
Dr. Burke Harris participates in a roundtable discussion on mental healthcare for all and the lasting effects of trauma caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
As Kids Head Back to School, Science-Backed Ways to Help Their COVID Blues
The California Surgeon General shares tips for helping students deal with trauma and stress as they return to school for the first time since before the pandemic.
Work For CA Surgeon General: Comms Opening!
The California Office of the Surgeon General is recruiting a full-time Information Officer II with telework flexibility. Responsibilities include managing social media, producing an e-newsletter, implementing a statewide public awareness campaign on ACEs and toxic stress, and more. If you or someone you know excels at writing, digital media, has a passion for public health, and thrives within fast-paced environments, don't miss out on this unique opportunity!
Apply by August 30 at https://bit.ly/3kkL9PQ.
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