The ACEs Aware initiative is a first-in-the nation effort to screen patients for Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) to help improve and save lives.
ACEs Aware strives to create a better world for our children, families, and communities by working together across sectors to prevent and address the impact of ACEs and toxic stress.
On December 14, 2021, three ACEs Aware Network of Care grantees shared their successes promoting ACE screenings, sustainable trauma-informed networks to mitigate toxic stress. Dr. Nadine Burke Harris listened to each presentation with an opportunity to ask the grantees targeted questions about what their efforts have accomplished for their communities through their Planning or Implementation Networks of Care grants.
SB 428 was enacted by Governor Gavin Newsom and the California State Legislature, significantly expanding access to ACE screening in California.
ACEs Aware is an initiative led by the Office of the California Surgeon General and the Department of Health Care Services to give Medi-Cal providers training, clinical protocols, and payment for screening children and adults for ACEs.
The mission of DHCS is to provide Californians with access to affordable, integrated, high-quality health care, including medical, dental, mental health, substance use treatment services, and long-term care. DHCS’ vision is to preserve and improve the overall health and well-being of all Californians. DHCS funds health care services for more than 13 million Medi-Cal beneficiaries.
The role of the California Surgeon General was created in 2019 by Governor Gavin Newsom to marshal the insights and energy of medical professionals, scientists, public health experts, public servants, and everyday Californians to drive solutions to our most pressing public health challenges. As California’s first Surgeon General, Dr. Nadine Burke Harris serves as a leading spokesperson on matters of public health, and has established early childhood, health equity, and ACEs and toxic stress as key priorities.
