The Intersection and Dynamics between COVID-19, Health Disparities, and Adverse Childhood Experiences Intersection/Dynamics between COVID-19, Health Disparities, and ACEs

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is shining a spotlight on health disparities that have long been overlooked in our society. The intersection between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), longstanding health disparities, and COVID-19 cannot be ignored. The accumulation of traumatic events throughout the childhood and adolescent years can cause toxic stress in the absence of supportive adults. This repetitive activation of the stress response system can be a catalyst to long-term, negative effects on both the body and brain. A major factor to appreciate is that ACEs do not affect all populations equally. ACEs disproportionately affect groups that have been historically oppressed. The current COVID-19 pandemic highlights this point when observing both case rates and fatality rates of the virus and has the potential to create a new series of long-term health conditions that will disproportionately affect marginalized communities. A foundational first and critical step of adopting a trauma-informed approach will help lead to system change, advance equity, and create a setting of mutuality and empowerment for our patients.

Automated summary

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought attention to long-standing health disparities and their connection to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), which disproportionately affect historically oppressed groups. Addressing these issues requires adopting a trauma-informed approach to drive system change, promote equity, and create an environment of mutual assistance and empowerment for patients.