Screening People Experiencing Homelessness for Adverse Childhood Events (ACEs)

Abstract

The purpose of this project was to implement a screening tool identifying patients who have four or more Adverse Childhood Events (ACEs) and connecting them to resources to build protective resilience. Stress during the developmental years can lead to preventable health conditions that are costly and impede quality of life. Nine out of the ten leading causes of death are ACE related illnesses. These are caused by complications of toxic stress syndrome. During a 7-month period, 138 patients were screened; 45% had ACEs of four or more.