Dr. Dayna Long, Director for the Center for Child and Community Health at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland, discusses the pervasiveness of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and why screening for ACEs is critical to providing trauma-informed care.
A consensus of scientific research demonstrates that cumulative adversity, especially when experienced during critical and sensitive periods of development, is a root cause to some of the most harmful, persistent, and expensive health challenges facing our state and nation.
California is leading the way by training and providing payment to Medi-Cal providers for ACE screenings to significantly improve health and well-being across the state.
Training & Payment
Details about California’s provider training opportunities, ACE 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 ACE 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
In an interview with Voice & Viewpoint, Dr. Burke Harris shares information about the heightened levels of stress we are all feeling right now in the wake of the coronavirus, how underserved communities experience toxic stress and trauma differently, and ways to identify and manage stress and anxiety during this time, for our overall health – both physical and mental.
Children may be processing the disruptions in their lives right now in ways the adults around them do not expect: acting out, regressing, retreating or even seeming surprisingly content. Parents need to know that all of this is normal, experts say, and there are some things we can do to help. The New York Times interviews California Surgeon General Dr. Nadine Burke Harris and other leaders in their field to explore how parents can identify and mitigate the effects of stress on their children.
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.
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?