Understanding Positive and Adverse Childhood Experiences (PACEs)

Childhood experiences shape the people we become. Early trauma and adverse life events, such as neglect, abuse and household dysfunction, can affect our brain development and contribute to negative health outcomes in adulthood such as chronic diseases, addiction and mental health challenges. This is the focus of Alberta Family Wellness Initiative’s Brain Story certification, originally introduced to the Region by the Children and Youth Planning Table.

Public Health recognized the importance of these concepts to overall community health and began work expanding on the Brain Story’s teachings with information on how ongoing positive relationships at any stage in life can help build resiliency and mitigate the impacts of early trauma. A strategic plan was developed for how to move these concepts into action. In September, an internal Positive and Adverse Childhood Experiences (PACEs) working group formed, with representation from Healthy Living and Foundational Standards, Infectious Diseases and Child and Family Health teams.

The goal of the PACEs Mobilization Workgroup is to increase our community’s understanding of the effects of both negative and positive childhood experiences on brain development, to apply this knowledge to how we interact with and support members of the community and each other, and to build a community of practice. The workgroup will focus on building capacity to integrate PACEs concepts into Public Health work, while ensuring alignment and collaboration with community partners.

This work is currently in its early stages, but collaboration has already begun to create partnerships. A consultation was held with community agencies and services to discuss how to work together to increase the reach of PACEs philosophy throughout the region, create a framework, prevent adverse childhood experiences, identify strategies to build resiliency and heal generational trauma.

If you have questions about the PACEs Mobilization Workgroup please contact Erin Tardiff Heldmann.

Have you seen the new Local Influenza Surveillance Bulletin? It tracks local and provincial influenza numbers, and is updated on Tuesday afternoons.

Remember to fill out the Emergency Contact Information Survey that was sent out earlier this week by Kathleen Robert, Clerk - Strategy, Performance and Organizational Standards.

PHE maintains a secure database with employees' personal contact information so we are able to call staff in case of an emergency situation. The survey will remain open until November 14, and is mandatory for all PHE staff.

Looking for opportunities to learn resilience and create balance? There are two great learning opportunities available for staff to register for on November 1.

Creating Personal Balance and Life Satisfaction As We Move Through Challenging Times is available from 9 – 10:30 a.m.
Resilience and Coping Sessions for Public Health Staff available from 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.

If you’d like to participate in a Resilience and Coping session, but the November 1 time isn’t a good option for you, there is another upcoming session on November 10 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. that is available to all Regional employees.

In Case You Missed It

The Influenza “Big Shot Challenge” is not officially happening this year, but PHE staff are still strongly encouraged to get their influenza vaccine. Given the current COVID-19 pandemic, influenza immunization is particularly important to reduce any further stress on our health care system and to protect those most vulnerable in our community.

And if you’re eligible for a COVID-19 booster, you can get it at the same time as the flu vaccine. Check with the location where you are getting vaccinated to see if they can administer both!

Check out the new video tour of the Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS) site at 150 Duke Street West, Kitchener.

The CTS site is operated by Sanguen Health Centre in partnership with Region of Waterloo Public Health and Emergency Services.

Visit our In the Know page for links to previously shared resources, answers to frequently asked questions about hybrid work arrangements and more. Have suggestions for resources or FAQs? Email us.

Staying Connected

1 in 20 households struggle to put food on the table. Let’s see how much food we can collect to benefit individuals and families in our community. PHE has joined Community Services’ food drive for the Waterloo Region Food Bank. Donations are being accepted in boxes throughout 99 Regina and 150 Main until October 31.