After taking a deep breath at the end of the day, I'm full of gratitude for the opportunity to highlight Indiana's focus on understanding, preventing and mitigating Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) during today's press conference w/ @GovHolcomb & @StateHealthIN Dr. Box. 1/

As a public servant, pediatric emergency physician and a mom, ACEs are one of the most important topics I've tackled in my career and this pandemic has strengthened that resolve. 2/

The impact of what we do now in our recovery has impacts well beyond this year and even the next decade. I said today that I'm thinking about how, "Did you live through a pandemic?" might even be considered the 11th ACE question. 2/

So, what do we do? We look out for each other. We support the children in our lives and provide reliable support and structure for them. We give grace to others because we don't know what trauma they bring to their daily experiences. 3/

Understanding your own ACE score is also helpful as you think about building resilience today and for the future. A good source for the questionnaire and explanation can be found: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/03/02/387007941/take-the-ace-quiz-and-learn-what-it-does-and-doesnt-mean 4/

Our kids need us at the personal, community and system level now more than ever. For tools and info on ACEs, check out https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/childabuseandneglect/acestudy/index.html END