​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 create the conditions for people to heal and thrive. It starts by prioritizing our own well-being as we build meaningful relationships with those we interact with and advocate for changes that can improve collective well-being. ​​

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. 

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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

Iowa ACEs 360 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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Join the network

Learn about our approach

How you can respond

• ​Learn more about childhood trauma, its impact and healing-centered ways of responding. Educate others about what you have learned.

• Respond to others with greater understanding by considering what what has happened to them and what is right with them. Be open to listening without pressing for people to share their past trauma.

 

• ​Build meaningful relationships with the children, families and adults you interact with. 

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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, healing-centered approach to your organization’s work. 

• ​Foster communities that create the conditions for all members to heal from trauma and thrive. 

 

• Advocate for trauma-informed, healing-centered policies and practices within your organization and with decision makers. 
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• 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. ​