New initiative aims to combat the negative effects of adverse childhood experiences

A new initiative from Kaiser Permanente will equip teachers with skills to help students combat the detrimental effects of negative experiences in childhood. Called “Resilience in School Environments,” or RISE, the nationwide program hopes to reach 25,000 schools by 2023. Growing evidence in recent years has suggested that kids exposed to experiences such as a lack of stable housing or unsafe living conditions are more likely to face mental and physical health problems. RISE also hopes to help K-12 teachers manage the daily stress they face in their job. The nonprofit Alliance for a Healthier Generation will provide free resources to help children learn about healthier living and safe environments, and the Discovery Education network will provide free virtual curricula and training to support teachers.