Recognizing that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have a strong and life-long correlation to numerous health, social and behavioral problems, the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), in partnership with the California Office of the Surgeon General, has created a first-in-the-nation statewide effort to screen patients for trauma and the increased likelihood of ACEs-associated health conditions due to toxic stress.

The ACEs Aware initiative is hosting a live, one-hour webinar on Wednesday, August 26 at 12:00 p.m. to offer practical tips and examples of how providers can incorporate stress regulation strategies into their treatment planning for pediatric patients. Participants can also expect to learn:

• Definitions, research and the clinical response to address toxic stress through stress regulation strategies
• Six Stress-Busting Strategies and other ACEs Aware resources
• Concrete examples and specific strategies on how to speak to patients and caregivers about mindfulness, supportive relationships and mental health prior to the need for a referral

Featured speakers include:

• Dayna Long, M.D., FAAP, Primary Care Attending Physician and Medical Director at the Center for Child and Community Health at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland
• Hilary M. Bowers, M.D., FAAP, Director of Behavioral and Mental Health Services for Children’s Primary Care Medical Group
• Pradeep Gidwani, M.D., MPH, FAAP, Medical Director of the Healthy Development Services and First 5 First Steps Home Visiting Services; American Academy of Pediatrics, California Chapter 3

This webinar is part of a series to help providers integrate ACEs screening and response into their clinic and workflows. Materials will be posted after the event at: acesaware.org/events/august-webinar. Please email questions and comments to info@ACEsAware.org.

See also: CA launches first-of-its-kind ACEs initiative; Beginning Jan. 1, 2020, Medi-Cal will begin paying for ACEs screenings