​ACEs data highlights the significant impact trauma can have on individuals. But we also know, more than ever before, that these outcomes can be prevented.

​Washington State demonstrated that a comprehensive approach to educating communities and empowering local leaders to take action reduces the rates of childhood trauma and health problems in the next generation.

​As community members, professionals, parents, advocates, educators, faith leaders, judges, business leaders, mentors, policymakers, philanthropists, and grandparents, we have a responsibility to respond to childhood trauma. When we all take steps to act with compassion and promote effective interventions, we create a better future for the individuals we serve and our community overall. ​​
If you have experienced trauma and are seeking support, please contact 211 for services in your area. 
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Researchers are identifying opportunities to prevent and mitigate the harms of ACEs at all levels of our society. These strategies focus on helping parents bear the load of stress, as well as promoting safe, nurturing, and equitable environments for kids to learn and play and for families to thrive together. Shifting our systems to promote these opportunities at all levels of our society can amplify the impact of reducing ACEs in Iowa. 

Preventing ACEs

The CDC provides the following framework for how to prevent ACEs. Each strategy and evidence for it is outlined in this recently published article. 
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Iowa's efforts

The Iowa ACEs Coalition works with partners across multiple sectors to make system and practice changes that can help children and adults heal and prevent ACEs in future generations. We encourage everyone to join us. 
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How you can respond

  • ​Learn more about childhood trauma, its impact and effective response strategies. Educate others about what you have learned.

  • Respond to others with greater understanding by considering what happened to them instead of what is wrong with them. 
 
  • ​Build caring connections with the children, families and adults you touch in your everyday actions.
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  • Seek services that help you improve your well-being. Visit 211 for local resources. ​​
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  • Apply a trauma-informed approach to your organization’s work. 
  • ​Foster communities focused on strengthening families and creating safe, nurturing environments for children. 
 
  • Advocate for trauma-informed strategies when making decisions. 

  • Increase early identification of and response to ACEs across systems including health care, education, justice, social services, and public health. ​
 
  • Give to efforts working to raise awareness of ACEs and develop response strategies. ​