On March 31, 2023, the Institute of Trauma and Economic Justice held a powerful training event on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their impact on people and communities. The event was held at the Huntington Tower in Detroit and was attended by esteemed guests, including the Lieutenant Governor of Michigan, thought leaders, and experts from the Power Tour.

The training was hosted in partnership with the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN), Michigan Department of Health & Human Services, City of Detroit, Detroit Council of Baptist Pastors of Detroit and Vicinity, Liberty Bank, and REVOLT TV. The event included panel discussions focused on addressing challenges stemmed by untreated traumas, which are impacting the health and safety of communities today.

The course objectives were clearly outlined and included understanding ACEs and their impact on learning and health outcomes, recognizing stress responses, and the concept of trauma-informed care, building resilience through protective factors, and discussing the community impact of ACEs.

The agenda included a variety of engaging activities such as lectures, panel discussions, small group discussions, and popcorn reports, all aimed at providing attendees with a comprehensive understanding of ACEs and their impact. Six (6) credit hours were awarded for continuing education in various areas, including social work and mental health professionals.

It is worth noting that parking was not discounted or validated, and attendees were encouraged to make parking arrangements in advance. The registration policy required pre-registration, and walk-ins were not permitted.

Overall, the Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) training event was a resounding success, and attendees left with a better understanding of how to address and combat the challenges stemming from ACEs. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of trauma-informed care and building resilience in our communities.

More info and photos from the event can be found at ITEJ.org or take a look at our recap on our instagram.