Combating Adverse Childhood Experiences

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this service project was to design educational interventions to implement at community food bank in Sunnyslope, Arizona to aid in building community resilience to overcome the adverse health events associated by the high prevalence of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Methods: This project utilized The Model for Quality Improvement framework to design and assess the efficacy of trauma-informed educational interventions for staff and volunteers at a local food bank. The project involved a collaborative effort to enhance the interactions between clients and staff by promoting understanding and recognition of ACEs and fostering an environment of trust. Results: A pre-recorded lecture and educational pre and post evaluation was designed and will be offered to all staff and volunteers beginning in December of 2022. The food bank partners plan to utilize an ab breviated version of the activity to be shown on a closed-captioned television system in the food bank to help clients recognize adverse childhood events and encourage them to ask about available resources at the food bank. Discussion: Food banks attempt to treat the root causes of food insecurity and are increasingly recogniz ing the value of moving toward trauma informed approaches aiming to decrease the stigma frequently experienced by the clients served. Food banks are better served developing a trauma informed framework in order to acquire deeper understanding of ACE’s prevalence in order to implement screenings and appropriate referral. The impact of implementing trauma informed trainings for employees and volunteers at food banks, such a Desert Mission, allow for person centered communication and promote optimal patient health outcomes with a holistic view of the social determinants of health.