The Resilient Tennessee Collaborative Meeting held in August 2023 focused on enhancing resilience among families and improving maternal health outcomes in the state. The meeting, organized by the Commission on Children and Youth, highlighted the importance of addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and integrating trauma-informed practices into healthcare settings.

Key discussions centered around the development of a toolkit aimed at helping pediatric practices implement resilience-building strategies for children and their parents. The toolkit includes resources and tip sheets designed to educate parents on fostering resilience in their children. Participants expressed a desire for more time to explore additional practices, but emphasized that the toolkit is now available for ongoing use.

A significant goal of the initiative is to establish universal ACE and resilience screenings for all pregnant women, starting in East Tennessee. This approach aims to improve maternal morbidity and mortality rates, reduce infant mortality, and enhance overall family resilience. The meeting underscored the interconnectedness of maternal health and child well-being, with a focus on improving mental health and reducing substance use disorders.

Engaging healthcare professionals in this initiative was identified as a challenge, as many physicians are already overwhelmed with existing screenings. However, it was noted that educating physicians about the benefits of understanding ACEs can lead to improved patient care and job satisfaction. The meeting also discussed the potential for creating physician champions to advocate for these practices among their peers.

The collaborative effort aims to integrate these resilience-building strategies into medical education, with hopes of including them in continuing medical education (CME) requirements for physicians. The meeting concluded with a commitment to support the workforce in child welfare and healthcare, ensuring that professionals are equipped to advocate effectively for children and families.

Overall, the Resilient Tennessee Collaborative Meeting set the stage for significant advancements in maternal and child health, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to resilience and trauma-informed care across the state.