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CORTISOL OVERLOAD

Babies’ brains are on fire in Kansas, overloaded with toxic levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

 

You can help.

 

Problem: Cortisol Overload

A growing body of research on brain development connects adverse childhood experiences to toxic levels of the “stress hormone” cortisol. This can have devastating effects on a young child’s growth and development—including cycles of behavior challenges, school struggles, and troubled adulthood.

POSITIVE

Brief increases in heart rate, mild elevations in stress hormone levels.

TOLERABLE

Serious temporary stress responses, buffered by supportive relationships.

TOXIC

Prolonged activation of stress response systems in absence of protective relationships.

Solution: Early Intervention

NeuroNurture is a campaign to support science-based early intervention programs for families facing adversity. Our three-year pilot of the Attachment Bio-Behavioral Catch-up (ABC) intervention will regulate infant/toddler cortisol—preventing developmental delays and giving children the opportunities they need to succeed later in life. 

Locations of NeuroNurture Pilot Programs in Kansas

ROI: Return on Infants

Science-based, short-term early interventions have the potential for large, long-term savings for Kansas taxpayers. The Heckman Equation cites 13% return on investment per year, and a 7:1 benefit to cost ratio. 

High quality birth-to-five
programs for disadvantaged children can deliver a

13%

RETURN ON INVESTMENT
PER YEAR

Get Involved

YOU can make a difference for Kansas children and families. Use our tools to advocate for evidence-based early intervention programs in your local area and across the state.

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