Oct 23, 2023 2 min read

Waynesburg University will host a regional symposium focusing on the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on Friday, March 15, in Canonsburg.

“Elevating Voices: Adverse Childhood Experiences” is free to attend and will be comprised of a series of round table discussions, clinical workshops and informational presentations covering current and relevant information on the impact of ACEs.

Proposals are being accepted for agencies or individuals interested in presenting. Licensed professional counselors, professional counselors, counselor educators, clinical supervisors, community stakeholders, human resources professionals and other members of the behavioral health workforce are encouraged to submit a proposal by Dec. 15. Presenters will be notified of their selection Jan. 19. Interested parties can submit a proposal at waynesburg.edu/regional-counseling-symposium.

The purpose of the symposium is twofold: to provide state-of-the-art information regarding the impact of ACEs as well as prevention and clinical interventions; and to provide a forum for treatment providers, agencies and policy stakeholders to share their successes and challenges in identifying and addressing the impact of ACEs.

ACEs are based on a study by Kaiser-Permanente and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) that surveyed people about painful and disruptive experiences they had in their childhood, including divorce, abuse, neglect and family dysfunction. The study found over 61% of adults surveyed reported at least adverse childhood experience.

Contact Dr. Kelley McNichols, assistant director of graduate counseling programs, at kelley.mcnichols@waynesburg.edu with questions.