The Family Resource Center and ACE Overcomers are collaborating to inform the community and medical providers about resources to identify and treat adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).

A total of $14.3 million was awarded to 100 organizations throughout the state to extend the reach and impact of the ACEs Aware initiative, with nearly $200,000 awarded to the two Merced County agencies. ACEs Aware seeks to change and save lives by helping Medi-Cal providers understand the importance of screening for ACEs and training them to respond with trauma-informed care.

State health officials say this work is critical now more than ever given the stress so many Californians are experiencing as a result of the pandemic and the role of social injustice as a risk factor for toxic stress. A trauma-informed health care workforce is vital.

The ACEs Aware media campaign began in December and features billboards, radio segments, videos and two dedicated websites with resources.

The Family Resource Center is funded through the Merced County Office of Education and works to connect families and community partners in a safe, respectful and trusted environment by building community partnerships, supporting our families with case management, individualized plans, and locating and providing resources, and facilitating learning and providing professional development.

ACE Overcomers — a 501C3 non-profit — has served Merced County for more than a decade helping teens and adults overcome the effects of ACEs. The group utilizes evidence-based lessons to retrain the brain and reset the nervous system resulting in improved emotional and physical health, better self-image, and greater confidence. ACE Overcomers provides trauma-informed training to professionals in behavioral health fields, health care providers, educators, law enforcement officers and social services, along with serving the faith-based community in churches and recovery ministries.

Grant funding is provided by the Office of the California Surgeon General (CA-OSG) and the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS).

More About ACEs
https://aceovercomers.org/about-aces/

Find Your ACE Score
https://aceovercomers.org/find-your-ace-score/