Initiative to build on childhood trauma research
BUSINESS RECORD STAFF Sep 25, 2015 | 3:32 pm
1 min read time
273 wordsAll Latest News, Health and WellnessA new community initiative will launch next week with the message that caring connections develop healthy brains, supportive relationships and strong communities.
Connections Matter is inspired by recent research showing that trauma, especially in childhood, can dramatically change the brain and increase the risk of health and social problems throughout life. The program is a collaboration among the Trauma Informed Care Project led by Orchard Place, the Central Iowa ACEs 360 Coalition, and the Developing Brain Group led by Blank Children’s Hospital,
More than 200 advocates will receive tools and materials to build relationships in their communities, organizers said in a press release.
Data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and analyzed by Iowa State University show that a majority of Iowans have experienced at least one type of childhood trauma. The study also found that, as the numbers of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) increase, so does the risk of a wide range of health issues including diabetes, heart disease and depression.
Yet, a growing body of research now proves that caring relationships are the main ingredient to prevent trauma and build resiliency in individuals and communities.
Connections Matter will launch on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 with three separate workshops to educate advocates on how to deliver a curriculum developed by nationally recognized epidemiologist and author Dr. Linda Chamberlain.
The initiative’s website will become a hub of stories, information and materials for anyone to learn how to take action and share the message in neighborhoods, congregations, schools and other settings. Additional resources will continue to be developed over the next year.
To read a related Business Record article about the ACEs research, click here.
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