Growing a Movement: Integrating ACE Screening and Toxic Stress Response into Statewide Systems
Thursday, August 14, 2025
10:45 AM - 11:30 PM
Building on Dr. Nadine Burke Harris’s keynote, this breakout session will focus on how to advance scalable, sustainable approaches for the prevention, early identification, and early intervention of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and toxic stress. Participants will explore practical strategies for engaging healthcare organizations, community-based organizations, advocates, and policymakers to design and implement statewide systems that can prevent, detect, and respond to ACEs and toxic stress effectively. Special attention will be given to the critical role that PCA chapters can play in aligning with state and national stakeholders to build cohesive, cross-sector movements that drive systems change. This session will highlight models and best practices for embedding ACE screening, trauma-informed principles, and evidence-based interventions into healthcare delivery and community-based services. By the end of the session, participants will leave with actionable ideas to lead initiatives in their own states, support statewide coordination efforts, and contribute to a growing national movement that aims to transform the healthcare system to recognize and address the impacts of ACEs and toxic stress — improving outcomes across generations.