Vitale to Host Press Conference, Movie Screening on Preventing Childhood Trauma

Trenton – Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Chair Senator Joe Vitale, Prevent Child Abuse NJ and the Child Wellness Institute of NJ are hosting a press conference and movie screening this Thursday to highlight the importance of preventing childhood trauma.

Rush Russell, Executive Director of Prevent Child Abuse-New Jersey will give an overview of the CDC Report and introduce the speakers:

• Senator Joseph Vitale, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens
• Christine Norbut Beyer, Commissioner, New Jersey Department of Children and Families
• Deborah Hartel, Deputy Commissioner, New Jersey Department of Health
• Gina Hernandez, Senior Vice President, Prevent Child Abuse-New Jersey

The press conference will be held Thursday, November 14, at 11:30 a.m., in Room 103 of the State House, Trenton, with film screening to follow at 12:00 p.m. in the Senate Chambers.

The CDC’s groundbreaking study tells us that preventing ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) could potentially reduce chronic diseases, risky health behaviors and socioeconomic challenges later in life. The speakers will highlight steps that can be taken in New Jersey to dramatically improve health and life outcomes and the role everyone can play to prevent ACEs.

RESILIENCE is a one-hour documentary that delves into the science of ACEs and the movement to treat and prevent “toxic stress”. As the experts and practitioners are proving, what’s predictable is preventable. It chronicles the birth of a movement among pediatricians, therapists, educators and communities, who are using cutting-edge brain science to disrupt cycles of violence, addiction and disease.