Iowa ACEs 360 released a new report that showcases progress made to address adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), Iowa data on the challenges that still persist, and new opportunities to take action.

“After a decade of working to raise awareness of ACEs in Iowa, we are seeing significant efforts to help Iowans heal from ACEs and to prevent ACEs with future generations,”  said Nicole Beaman, president of Iowa ACEs 360s’ board of directors and vice president of Orchard Place Child Guidance Center. “Iowa’s ACEs data clearly shows that this work is critical to improving our children’s ability to learn in school, become productive members of our workforce, and to thrive in our communities.”

Findings from analyzing data collected by the Iowa Department of Public Health from 2017-2018 show: 

• Nearly two-thirds of Iowa adults report experiencing at least one of 10 types of abuse, neglect, or household stress growing up and one in six Iowans report experiencing four or more ACEs.
  
  
• As the number of reported ACEs increases, so do the odds of having health and mental health concerns. For example, Iowans who have four or more ACEs are 5.3 times more likely to have COPD and 7.7 times more likely to have depression than Iowans with zero ACEs.
  
  
• Many Iowa adults reporting a high number of ACEs also report that they lacked at least one resilience factor in childhood that could help them cope with their traumatic experiences.
  
  

While the data highlights the connection between ACEs and poor outcomes, emerging research shows how organizations, systems, and communities can support families in healing and building resilience.

“Iowa data continues to show the significant impact ACEs can have on our state, but we also know that the more positive experiences a child has growing up, the more likely they are to thrive even if they experience adversity,” said Lisa Cushatt, director of Iowa ACEs 360. “In addition to improving conditions for individuals and families, we must shift our systems to provide equitable opportunities for all children to thrive.”

To read the report, visit www.iowaaces360.org.

Thank you to many ACEs Connection leaders for informing and supporting this work! 

About Iowa ACEs 360

Iowa ACEs 360 empowers communities, organizations, and individuals to take informed actions to prevent and mitigate the lifelong effects of childhood adversity. Strategies include advocating for system change, advancing knowledge and growing the ACEs movement in Iowa, and catalyzing innovative practices in prevention and healing. Learn more at www.iowaaces360.org.