Delaware 2018 State Profile

Somehow the numbering went awry when I hit 'paste.'  But I'm sure you'll figure it out!  Call if questions--  Leslie. 

Thanks for getting this started!  Here are the edits/suggestions that our group has generated for the Delaware profile. 

1. In “Highlights:” 
2. 1. Trauma Matters Delaware isn’t actually a coalition—we typically say we are a community or virtual community.
   2. Second Paragraph, first line: Delete “When he was a candidate” and add “Governor-elect”
   3. Following Action Plan for Delaware: three ACEs-related items: promoting trauma-informed workforce training for educators, creating a comprehensive plan for children exposed to ACEs to prevent abuse and neglect,….etc

1. Although Delaware has not included the ACE questions in the BRFSS, most of the Philadelphia ACE items were included in the Household Health Survey (2015) that also included many other questions about general health, service use and access to specific services.  We would be happy to be included in the map or in the narrative as an ACEs data collecting state, with language to indicate the alternate collection methodology.

1. The Trauma Matters Delaware Steering Group has discussed the terminology of “trauma” at some depth.  Without going into too much detail, it is fair to say that almost any of the terms in current use have their proponents and opponents!  However, there is one area with which there is no disagreement:  the exclusive use of ‘ACEs’ to describe adverse experiences.  This terminology by definition excludes the wide range of experiences encountered in adulthood that have somewhat different but no less serious impacts:  combat stress and PTSD, military sexual trauma,  community and historical trauma (gun violence, racism,) natural and other disasters, kidnapping and human trafficking—the list is endless. 

Therefore, if ACEsConnection.com is committed to emphasizing actual ACEs (adversity in childhood), we would ask that the DE profile, and perhaps others, substitute language such as this in the opening line of the profile: 

“…offers regular events and supports trauma-informed approaches for ACEs and adversity experienced in adulthood.”  OR “…trauma informed approaches related to adversity experienced in childhood and adulthood.”

Leslie A. Brower, PhD, RN

Hi Morgan.  We are reviewing the content and will get back to you with some feedback.  Thanks!  Leslie.