Oklahomans suffer from Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) to a greater degree, on average, than most Americans. The scars of childhood trauma have resulted in poor outcomes for many of our neighbors, as reflected in high rates of chronic disease, mental illness, incarceration, and other physical and social problems.

To respond to this challenge, our state must do a better job of providing treatment and care to reduce and mitigate the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences. We must adopt practices that avoid the re-traumatization of people who carry trauma with them. This means implementing programs, strategies, approaches, methods, procedures, and protocols that are trauma-informed. Additionally, we need to implement programs and practices to reduce the prevalence of ACEs and provide relationships and resources to mitigate their negative effects.

Co-Chair 

Annette Jacobi
Director, Oklahoma Commission
on Children and Youth

Co-Chair 

Dr. Jennifer Hays-Grudo
Center for Integrative Research on
Childhood Adversity Oklahoma State University

Keitha Wilson
Prevention Program Administrator
Oklahoma Department of Human Services