10 Things to Know About Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) - Part 1

In part 1, Dr. Bridger introduces the presentation and begins discussion of the "10 Things to Know..." with 1.How ACEs is scored with a 10-question quiz, 2. ACEs are common, and 3. ACEs cause toxic stress. In this 5-part video series, Dr. Bridger discusses how childhood trauma is a critical public health issue. Referred to as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), ACEs are stressful and traumatic events, such as abuse or neglect, that have been linked to poor life-long health outcomes. As the number of ACEs increases, so does the likelihood for developing chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease and cancer as well as risky health behaviors; low life potential; and, early death. During this presentation, attendees will be introduced to ACE’s, the impact they have on health, and what can be done to overcome them. The learning objectives for this 5-part video include: Discuss the prevalence and causes of ACEs and their impact on the developing brain and bodies of children. Discuss Trauma Informed Care as a system-based strategy to mitigate the effects of ACEs and help children heal from the trauma-induced toxic stress. Learn about strategies in San Antonio aimed at creating a trauma informed city. Colleen Bridger, MPH, PhD. was named assistant city manager for San Antonio in July 2019 and oversees the Health, Parks and Recreation, and Human Services departments and the Office of Equity. Dr. Bridger previously served as director of the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District where she was responsible for implementing policies aimed at improving the health of the population in San Antonio and Bexar County and managing nearly two dozen programs, including WIC, vector control, air quality, STD/HIV prevention and Tuberculosis control and prevention. Additionally, she spearheaded the passage of the Tobacco 21 ordinance and oversaw the process to secure San Antonio’s selection as a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health prize winner. Dr. Bridger was recorded during her keynote presentation at Claritycon2019, hosted by Clarity Child Guidance Center, on Friday, July 26, in San Antonio, Texas.