Dr. Nadine Burke Harris’ TED Talk on childhood trauma.

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UPDATE: You can watch a livestream of tonight’s event at this link.

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From the office of Sen. Mike McGuire:

Three years ago, Senator McGuire and First 5 Humboldt came together for a first-of-its-kind town hall focused on improving the lives of kids here on the North Coast. Unfortunately, Humboldt County has had some of the highest numbers for childhood abuse, neglect and trauma in California (also known as ACES - Adverse Childhood Experiences).

Since that first town hall, it’s been an all-hands-on-deck effort to reverse this disturbing trend and Senator McGuire and First 5 Humboldt are coming back together for a special update to talk about the progress that’s been made, and joining them will be special guest Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, California’s Surgeon General, to talk about ACEs and Humboldt County’s kids. Dr. Burke Harris is a pediatrician and pioneer on childhood trauma.

“While there’s still a lot of work to do, progress has been made to protect our kids and help them thrive over the last few years here locally and across the state. We’re thrilled to be coming back together and to team up with California’s Surgeon General and First 5 Humboldt next Thursday. We’ll be focused on advancing desperately needed solutions to tackle this crisis – here at home and across the state – in the months and years to come,” Senator Mike McGuire said.

“The science has shown us that childhood adversity is a root cause of many of the greatest public health challenges we face today – increasing the risk of serious conditions ranging from heart disease, chronic lung disease, and suicide to gun violence, domestic violence and substance dependence. ACEs impact all of our communities throughout California and it is an honor to visit Humboldt County for the opportunity to understand the local approaches being taken to address the impacts of this public health threat,” said Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, California Surgeon General.

“First 5 Humboldt is excited to work with Senator McGuire to once again shine a light on how the Humboldt community is coming together to prevent childhood adversity and promote resilience for our children and our long-term health. This Town Hall will be a truly special event, as we welcome California’s first Surgeon General, Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, to Humboldt County. Dr. Burke Harris’ work has been an inspiration to public health and child advocates around the world,” said Mary Ann Hansen, Executive Director of First 5 Humboldt.

Here are the event details:

WHAT: Senator McGuire and First 5 Humboldt’s Town Hall on Adverse Childhood Experiences featuring California’s Surgeon General Dr. Nadine Burke Harris

WHEN: Next Thursday, November 21 at 6:00 p.m.

WHERE: Sequoia Conference Center, 901 Myrtle Ave, Eureka CA 95501