As described by CDC, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood. ACEs can include violence, abuse, and growing up in a family with mental health or substance use problems. Toxic stress from ACEs can change brain development and affect how the body responds to stress. ACEs are linked to chronic health problems, mental illness, and substance misuse in adulthood. However, ACEs can be prevented.

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Preventing ACEs can help children and adults thrive and potentially:

• Lower risk for conditions like depression, asthma, cancer, and diabetes in adulthood.

• Reduce risky behaviors like smoking and heavy drinking.

• Improve education and employment potential.

• Stop ACEs from being passed from one generation to the next.

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Taos Alive staff are actively presenting information about ACEs in order to raise awareness in Taos County and encourage increase prevention strategies.