New HPIO brief explores protection against ACEs harms

The Health Policy Institute of Ohio has released a new policy brief titled “Protecting against the harms of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).”

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can be traumatic, but the harms associated with ACEs are not inevitable. Protective factors are positive experiences, resources and assets, including supportive people, that can buffer children and families against the harmful effects of ACEs and trauma. They are also associated with improved health and well-being and are valuable for all people throughout life. 
 
This brief describes: 

• Policy options to foster and strengthen protective factors at all levels 
• Protective factors that help children and families build resilience at the community, interpersonal and individual levels 
• Analysis of Ohio protective factors data 

As illustrated above, HPIO analysis of 2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data shows that 87% of Ohio adults had someone in their household who made them feel safe and protected most or all of the time during childhood, and 94% of respondents said they had someone who tried to meet their basic needs most or all of the time. Unfortunately, individuals who experienced two or more ACEs were almost twice as likely to report not having an adult in their home who made them feel safe and protected, making them much more susceptible to poor health outcomes.
 
The paper’s release comes shortly after the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory on the mental health and well-being of parents. The report noted high levels of parental stress over the past decade, with almost half of parents (48%) saying that their stress was completely overwhelming most days. The advisory provides recommendations to support parental mental health and well-being, a key component in ensuring children are protected against ACEs.  
 
Since 2020, HPIO has analyzed ACEs and what Ohio can do to address them. Informed by a  multi-sector advisory group, HPIO’s  Ohio ACEs Impact Project  includes a series of policy briefs and an  online resource page  to build on and amplify current efforts to address ACEs in Ohio. 

Support for this project was provided by the Harmony Project and HPIO’s core funders.