​Stress operates along a continuum. In small or moderate doses, stress can be beneficial. However, stressful experiences in childhood that are powerful, frequent, prolonged, and in unpredictable doses can be detrimental to a child’s development and life-long health. ​Clinicians and staff in the health care field have a unique opportunity to address toxic stress in individuals and advocate for developing systems that build strong, stable, nurturing communities. 
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Opportunities to Respond

Here are ways you can get started in responding to ACEs in your role. 
  • Establish a trauma-informed environment in your clinic.
  • Improve access to integrated care models that work with community resources, mental health services, and services for the whole family.
  • ​Educate peers, staff, families, colleagues, friends, and community leaders about the impact of toxic stress on health and the community.
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Guides

Click the images below to access guides that can help you learn the science and respond. 
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​A health practitioner's guide to addressing toxic stress

Pediatric Guide

​As a near universal access point for children in our state, pediatric and family practice clinics are well-positioned to support prevention and early identification of stressors with families. The ACEs Pediatric Project seeks to support practice change in pediatric and family care clinics through education and technical assistance. Core components of the project include:
  • Pediatric Trauma Informed Guide: A core group of trauma and child health experts joined together to provide guidance in the development of the Pediatric Trauma Informed Guide.
  • Pediatric Practice Assessment: Led by Armeda Wojciak, PhD, at University of Iowa, a practice assessment was developed to assist in identifying practice change opportunities within clinics.
  • Technical Assistance: Led by Dr. Amy Shriver, MD and pediatrician, and Lisa Cushatt, LMSW, selected clinics will be provided training and guidance to move along the continuum to become a more trauma-informed practice. 

Additional Resources

Health Care
The resources included in this section are particularly relevant for professionals working in the field of health care. Mental health professionals and other professionals who work in hospital or clinical settings and public health professionals may also find these resources relevant to their work.

Mental Health
The resources included in this section are particularly relevant for mental health professionals. Other health professionals who work in hospital or clinical settings and public health professionals may also find these resources relevant to their work.