Center for Youth Wellness

The Center for Youth Wellness is a U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming pediatric medicine and society's response to children exposed to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and toxic stress. Led by founder and CEO, Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, the organization seeks to improve the health outcomes of children by addressing ACEs as a significant risk factor for chronic diseases.

Mission and Goals

The Center for Youth Wellness is part of a broader national effort to revolutionize pediatric care and policy. It focuses on recognizing and addressing ACEs in the delivery of primary care, aiming to change how healthcare providers and society at large respond to children experiencing toxic stress. Through clinical programs, research, policy advocacy, education, and other initiatives, the center works to achieve its mission, particularly serving children and families in the Bayview Hunters Point neighborhood of San Francisco.

Activities and Partnerships

The center is involved in various activities to raise awareness and advocate for policy changes related to ACEs and toxic stress. These efforts include collaborations with high-profile initiatives such as The Shriver Report and partnerships with influential figures like Hillary Clinton through the Next Generation’s Too Small To Fail Initiative. Additionally, the organization has hosted significant events like California’s first Statewide Adverse Childhood Experiences Summit and presented at plenary sessions of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Impact

As a leader in advancing pediatric medicine and promoting awareness about ACEs, the Center for Youth Wellness has been featured in local, statewide, and national platforms. Its work has contributed significantly to changing the approach to pediatric care by integrating ACE screenings into clinical practice, such as the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire used at the Bayview Child Health Center.

Leadership and Funding

The organization is led by Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, who is a central figure in the national conversation on ACEs and toxic stress. It has received support from various foundations and has been nominated by prominent organizations for its innovative approach to addressing pediatric health.