Vancouver, Wash. – The ACEs Action Alliance, in collaboration with Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries, is kicking off a series of community conversations about childhood trauma and resilience with a book discussion.

The book, Becoming Ms. Burton by Susan Burton and Cari Lynn recounts Burton’s childhood, which was impacted by poverty, racism, sexual abuse and emotional neglect. As a teenage mother, Burton started using drugs and eventually served six sentences in the California penitentiary system. After receiving substance abuse treatment and leaving prison, Burton became an advocate for other women with criminal records as they re-enter society.

“This book teaches many lessons about multi-generational trauma, racism and poverty and how we stigmatize those who are dealing with addiction or who have served prison sentences,” said Cyndie Meyer, chronic disease prevention program coordinator at Clark County Public Health. “Our systems and approaches in Clark County today are a far cry from South Central Los Angeles in the late 1900s, but there is more we can learn together that makes this a critical conversation for our community.”

The community book discussion is 6-8 pm Monday, June 18, at the Cascade Park Community Library, Community Room, 600 NE 136th Ave. Clark County Council Chair Marc Boldt will be a discussion facilitator.

Copies of the book are available to borrow from the library. Excerpts from the book are available on the ACEs Action Alliance website, www.acesactionalliance.org.

The discussion is the first of several upcoming community conversations about adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs, childhood trauma and resilience. Adverse childhood experiences are potentially traumatic events that take place before a child is 18 and may impact long-term mental, physical and behavioral health.

The ACEs Action Alliance is a collaborative of public and private organizations and individuals who promote a trauma-informed, resilient Clark County.

CONTACT
Marissa Armstrong
Public Health
360.397.8000 ext. 7307
marissa.armstrong@clark.wa.gov