Adverse Childhood Experiences (or ACEs) have a tremendous impact on the potential for future violence and prolonging the lasting effects for victims. These also drastically affect lifelong health and opportunity. Working together, we can help create neighborhoods, communities, and a world where every child can thrive. Watch the video below for more details on ACEs.

The ACEs Aware initiative is led by the Office of the California Surgeon General and the Department of Health Care Services to give Medi-Cal providers the necessary training, clinical protocols, and payment for screening children and adults for ACEs. Detecting ACEs early and connecting patients to interventions, resources, and other support can improve the health and well-being of individuals and families. 

The ACEs Aware initiative has provided grant funding to 100 organizations throughout California to design and implement training and education activities for health care providers and other organizations that serve Medi-Cal covered patients. Community Health Centers of the Central Coast is honored to have been chosen as one of the  receive the grant.

To support the ACE screening process, CHC uses grant funds to provide the Community Resiliency Model (CRM) training to its providers and clinical staff. CRM is an evidence-based resiliency training model that is instrumental in supporting and engaging healthcare workers in the ACEs Aware initiative. It enables them to utilize and share these resiliency skills with their patients. By equipping clinical staff with a trauma-responsive and resiliency-informed lens, the model has prepared CHC to fully launch ACEs Aware screening protocols and better help the patients we care for.

LINKS
CDC information on ACEs
ACEs Aware March Grantee Highlights
Behavioral Health Services at CHC