Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACEs, are stressful or traumatic events that children experience and are strongly associated with increased health risks. ACEs include abuse, household challenges, and physical or emotional neglect. Household challenges can include parents with mental illness, drug use by family members, violence within the house and much more. Some of the most common, serious, and costly health conditions, including 9 out of 10 of the leading causes of death in the U.S., are strongly associated with occurrence of ACEs.
The Sierra Community Medical Foundation has created an ACEs/Social Determinants Of Health Coalition comprised of physicians, local law enforcement agencies, treatment facility professionals, and concerned citizens of Placer and Nevada counties. The coalition is looking to bring awareness to people affected by ACEs and help locate resources for those in need. Having a coalition within our community-centered, physician-led nonprofit allows leaders across sectors to connect and pool their knowledge against ACEs. View our action teams below to learn how your experience and interest could support our Coalition.