A new study finds Iowa children face more Adverse Childhood Experiences or ACEs than kids in many other states. ACEs might include the death of a parent, being a victim of violence, or living with someone with a drug or alcohol problem. Martha Davis, a senior program officer for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, says ACEs can have a far-reaching impact.

 

The report found around 38-percent of children nationwide had at least one adverse childhood experience, while the rate is almost 44-percent for Iowa children. Twenty-percent of Iowa children had two or more ACEs.

 

Research shows 33-percent of children with two or more ACEs have a chronic health condition involving a special health care need, compared to almost 14-percent of children who have not had ACEs.