#United States #Los Angeles #Wayfinder Family Services #Dr. Diana E. Ramos #ACEs

California's Surgeon General Joins Wayfinder Family Services' Discussion on ACEs

On March 19, 2025, Wayfinder Family Services held its annual event, The Conversation, in downtown Los Angeles, focusing on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). The panel featured notable figures including California's Surgeon General, Dr. Diana E. Ramos, youth justice organizer Josue “Swey” Pineda, and the Chief Operating Officer of Wayfinder, Dawn Vo-Jutabha, PhD. The session was moderated by Emily Williams, CEO of the UCLA-UCSF ACEs Aware Family Resilience Network (UCAAN).

Understanding ACEs and Their Impact

Emily Williams initiated the discussion by highlighting the prevalence of ACEs in California, revealing that approximately two-thirds of its residents have endured at least one adverse experience in their childhood. This troubling statistic is further compounded by the reality that having four or more ACEs significantly heightens the risk for nine of the top ten leading causes of death nationally.

In response, Dr. Ramos shed light on California's historic investment in the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI), which aims to thoroughly address various facets contributing to the mental well-being of children and youth across the state. She emphasized the essential Live Beyond campaign, part of the CYBHI, dedicated to fostering awareness regarding ACEs and the detrimental impacts of toxic stress. Additionally, Ramos expressed her strong commitment to the Strong Start Beyond initiative, which aims to reduce California's maternal mortality rate by 50% by December 2026.

Personal Stories and Organizational Insights

Josue Pineda shared a candid account of his personal experience transitioning from incarceration to becoming a significant advocate for youth. His journey intertwined with his role in the Beyond ACEs campaign, which strives to elevate the voices of those affected by adverse experiences.

Vo-Jutabha provided insights into the practical measures Wayfinder is implementing, particularly regarding ACEs screenings within their programs aimed at building resilience in approximately 22,000 children, youth, and adults each year.

Celebrating Contributions

The event also recognized several champions for children and families in California, including Glenn Sonnenberg, chair of Wayfinder's board, and Jason Russell, co-chair of Wayfinder's Impact Council, along with the W. M. Keck Foundation for their unwavering dedication to support.

Wayfinder President and CEO, Jay Allen, expressed immense gratitude towards this year’s panelists and moderator, articulating that By hosting The Conversation, Wayfinder’s Board of Directors and Impact Council continuously strive to elevate awareness about pressing issues and pay tribute to invaluable advocates.

About Wayfinder Family Services

For those unfamiliar with the organization, Wayfinder Family Services is crucial for individuals facing significant challenges. They offer specialized support and services tailored for children, youth, adults, and families, catering to individuals dealing with vision loss, developmental disabilities, and other pressing needs such as temporary shelter, foster care, and adoption. Their impactful work positions them as a leading resource for vulnerable populations within the state.

This event not only serves as a pivotal moment for showcasing the challenges surrounding ACEs but also highlights the collaborative efforts essential for fostering change and improving the mental health landscape for California’s youth. Through discussions like these, the hope is to cultivate a deeper understanding and drive systemic changes toward a healthier future for all children and families in the community.