HPIO brief explores health impact of financial security

HPIO has released a new policy brief titled, Creating a Financially Prosperous Ohio: Strategies to Improve Family Financial Security.

When Ohioans live in communities that support their health and economic well-being, their families thrive. However, many families are struggling to pay their rent, put food on their tables, cover their healthcare expenses and save for the future.

Financial insecurity can negatively impact a variety of health and well-being outcomes across generations, including exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) (potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood). This can negatively affect children’s long-term mental, physical and financial health. As illustrated above, children in families earning higher incomes are less likely to experience two or more ACEs.

Still, Ohioans are resilient, and Ohio leaders can create environments and opportunities that allow every family to thrive. This brief includes:

• Data and information on how financial insecurity affects families’ health, well-being and ACEs exposure
• Perspectives from participants in an evidence-based program that supports financial security
• Data and information on the factors contributing to financial security
• Strategies for how public and private partners can support financial prosperity and prevent childhood adversity