About ACEs Aware

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and toxic stress are a public health crisis. We can take action to change and save lives.

male doctor smiling as young female patient looks in his ear

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. Detecting ACEs early and connecting patients to interventions, resources, and other support can improve the health and well-being of individuals and families. Learn more about ACEs.

male doctor talking to smiling female child patient

ACEs Aware

The Office of the California Surgeon General is leading a statewide effort to cut Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and toxic stress in half in one generation.

smiling executive female doctor speaking to others at a meeting

Policy Guidance

The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is responsible for implementing Medi-Cal payments to providers to deliver Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) screenings for children and adults under age 65 in the Medi-Cal program.

smiling young male patient being held by smiling father gives a high-five to a smiling female doctor

Advisory Committees

Health care providers, government agencies, community-based organizations, professional associations, and other key stakeholders are coming together to support this initiative to make California’s communities ACEs Aware.

female doctor speaks with female patient

Materials for Partners

Resources to support communities working to reduce the impact and prevalence of ACEs and toxic stress.