Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are hyper-stressful, traumatic events experienced in a child’s or adolescent’s life. ACEs very common and most Americans have at least one, they can happen to anyone. The experiences and environments during our childhood and developing years have a tremendous, lifelong impact on our health, ability to learn and the quality of our lives – as they can alter the architecture of our developing brain and body. The ACE Study showed dramatic links between adverse childhood experiences and risky behavior, psychological issues, serious illness and the leading causes of death. Looking upstream, the science also positively affirms what is predictable is preventable! Each of us has the potential to reduce ACEs and build Resilience that will lead to better lifelong outcomes. Together, we can grow a thriving and healthy community family tree for generations to come.
