The trauma from adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can be profound in the developing brains of children and a new consortium formed in Logan plans to make a difference.
The Northern Utah Trauma Resiliency Collaborative is chaired by Dr. Ed Redd, Esterlee Molyneux, Executive Director of The Family Place, and Dr. Vonda Jump Norman, a USU scientist in early childhood development.
“Our goal is to bring together stakeholders to address trauma associated with adverse childhood experiences,” said Molyneux. “We will be solution-focused, with the overarching goal of helping our community become trauma-informed to prevent adverse childhood experiences from occurring and to respond sensitively when they do occur.”
Dr. Redd is a physician and serves as legislator from District 4 in the Utah House.
“I became aware of adverse childhood experiences and how they affect children’s developing brains and how they affect adults throughout their lives,” said Dr. Redd.
“Traumas that happen to kids as they are growing up, especially when they are infants, have long-term effects on how they deal with their world around them. A lot of these effects last into adulthood.”
This new transformational group will include agencies, parents, physicians, clergy, school representatives, as well as representatives from civic, business and state organizations.
Those with questions or an interest in attending may contact Esterlee Molyneux at [email protected].
Meetings will be held on a quarterly basis with the first one Wednesday, May 10, at 11:30 at the Family Place, 1525 N. 200 W. in Logan.