Advocate for a Resilient Iowa

The Iowa ACEs Advocacy Coalition is led by Central Iowa ACEs 360 and includes state, regional and local organizations actively involved in advocacy related to childhood health, mental health, and well-being. If you or your organization would like to learn more about our advocacy efforts, please visit the "About Us" page and complete the contact us form. Our goal is to continue to broaden the number of advocates across the state who are committed to our mission.
Advocacy Agenda
Our 2018 Legislative Agenda focuses on key policy items that will build a Resilient Iowa:
  • Invest in the healthy mental development of our youngest children by expanding access to the 1 st Five program
  • Create a children’s mental health system by supporting the recommendations of the Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing workgroup
  • Improve the health and well-being of children by ensuring continued access to high-quality early-intervention services through Medicaid and hawk-i
  • Strengthen Iowa’s child welfare system
Governor Reynolds Signs Resilient Iowa Proclamation
Governor Kim Reynolds signed the Resilient Iowa Proclamation on February 15, 2018 alongside community and state leaders in the ACEs and Trauma Informed Movement.

Building resiliency in Iowa will enhance the ability of children and adults to adapt, cope and thrive despite difficult times, supporting the mental well-being of our neighbors, faith leaders, educators, and future workforce. Emerging research shows that building resiliency in families and communities through social connections and support can lead to better outcomes for all individuals, especially if they have experienced childhood trauma. 
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Since 2012, the Central Iowa ACEs 360 Coalition has brought together state and local stakeholders to work together to increase awareness of the impact of childhood trauma and to lead system and community change to address ACEs and increase resiliency.

The proclamation recognizes the progress that’s been made to address ACEs in Iowa and prioritizes this continued work in the future. 
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Pediatrician Dr. Amy Shriver discusses the impact of trauma on brain development and the importance of prevention and early intervention during a 2017 legislative committee meeting.

Iowa ACEs Impact

Learn more about the Central Iowa ACEs 360 Steering Committee's efforts to raise awareness of ACEs and to support initiatives to address ACEs and its outcomes: