Sacramento, CA – Years of research, experience and just plain common sense have shown that childhood experiences, both positive and negative, can have a tremendous impact on lifelong health and opportunity – and on the potential to commit or be victimized by violence.

In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified these early experiences, often referred to as Adverse Childhood Experiences or ACEs, as a public health issue.

That’s why Senator McGuire is partnering with First 5 Humboldt County for a first-ever Town Hall on Childhood Poverty and ACEs.

“We’re coming together for our kids on December 1 to focus on two of the biggest challenges facing families in California and the North Coast, poverty and Adverse Childhood Experiences,” Senator McGuire said. “We are grateful to be partnering with First 5 and we’re looking forward to an open and honest discussion about these two concerning issues and how we can work together to advance solutions here in Humboldt and across the state.”

Humboldt County has some of the highest rates of ACEs in California, which is why the Senator and First 5 are teaming up for this important forum on December 1.

“We are so excited to work with Senator McGuire to talk about how to bring together state and local resources to help young children thrive in Humboldt County,” said First 5 Executive Director Mary Ann Hansen.

Here are the Town Hall details:

Date: Thursday, December 1

Time: 6:00p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Location: Humboldt Bay Aquatic Center, 921 Waterfront Drive in Eureka

Snacks and refreshments will be available.

Senator McGuire will be releasing a full list of speakers – both state and local leaders will be in attendance – first thing next week.

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