Research has shown that experiencing trauma during childhood can have significant and lifelong effects on health and well-being. The CDC notes that Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are linked to "risky health behaviors, chronic health conditions, low life potential, and early death." Although the initial CDC/Kaiser ACEs study demonstrated the connection between childhood trauma and poor health outcomes, it primarily focused on trauma as a result of abuse and neglect. However, recent studies have begun to examine the connections between racism and racial discrimination, trauma, and health. The American Psychiatric Association notes, "Racism and racial discrimination create a unique environment of pervasive, additional stress for people of racial and ethnic minorities in the United States," and that "chronic emotional stress is known to have negative physical and mental health effects."
This HCTF meeting will explore the connections between racism, discrimination, and trauma, as well as their impacts on both child and adult health. Dr. Lee Pachter, DO, Director of Community and Clinical Integration at Nemours/ A.I. duPont Hospital for Children and co-director of the Philadelphia ACES Task Force, will be our featured presenter.
The meeting will also include a panel of local organizationsworking to address the effects of discrimination at the community level, often through trauma-informed approaches. Panelists include:
- Zoë Van Orsdol, Public Health Program Manager, Impact Services
- Dan Rhoton, Executive Director, Hopeworks 'N Camden
- Valerie Jackson, Pottstown Trauma Informed Community Connection
- Andrew Stober, Vice President of Planning and Economic Development, University City District
The panel will be moderated by Philip Fitzgerald, Director of Grantmaking with the Philadelphia Foundation.
Please join us to learn more and discuss what planners and public health professionals can do to support individual healing and healthier communities.
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM: Networking/Registration/Coffee
9:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Program
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Networking lunch
2 AICP CM Credits available.