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Can Adverse Childhood Experiences Affect Health?

WITF’s recent Chasing the Dream community forum explored the complex issue of poverty in Pennsylvania. Over 70 people joined the conversation to talk about how poverty impacts families, children and our overall health. The audience heard from those living in poverty’s grip and community activists working to close the gap between poor and wealthy. The featured keynote address was given by  Dr. Roy Wade, Jr., instructor of pediatrics at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Dr. Wade’s research interests focus on the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study and the intersection between poverty, adversity, and childhood well-being. Childhood experiences, both positive and negative, have a tremendous impact on lifelong health and opportunity. Early experiences are an important public health issue. 

Dr Roy Wade Jr. explains the original ACES study.

Toxic childhood stress can expose kids to health risks. But positive adult role models provide hope.