Amid growing concern about mental health among teens, Oakland health insurer Blue Shield of California has committed $10 million to improve access to mental health services in the state’s public schools.
A consensus of scientific research demonstrates that cumulative adversity, especially when experienced during childhood development, is a root cause to some of the most harmful, persistent, and expensive health challenges facing our nation. California is leading the way by training and providing payment to Medi-Cal providers for ACEs screenings to significantly improve health and well-being across the state’s communities.
Training & Payment
Details about California’s provider training opportunities, ACEs screening tools, and how to get certified and receive payment for screening Medi-Cal patients for ACEs.
Science & Clinical Practice
Information about the science of ACEs and toxic stress and how incorporating ACEs screening and trauma-informed care into clinical practice can inform patient treatment.
Resources & Support
Resources to support providers and communities working to reduce the prevalence and impact of ACEs and toxic stress.
An introduction by
The CA Surgeon General Dr. Nadine Burke Harris
News
Adverse childhood experiences, such as violence victimization, substance misuse in the household, or witnessing intimate partner violence, have been linked to leading causes of adult morbidity and mortality. Therefore, reducing adverse childhood experiences is critical to avoiding multiple negative health and socioeconomic outcomes in adulthood.
Kaiser Permanente commits $2.75 million to new research to help prevent and mitigate the health effects of adverse childhood experiences, known as ACEs.
ACEs Aware is an initiative led by the California Office of the 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.
About DHCS
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.
About the California Surgeon General
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.
Not a Medi-Cal Provider?