Adverse Childhood Experiences and Trauma

States have a vital role to play in preventing and addressing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and supporting efforts on crisis, mental health, and the long-term effects of trauma. The National Governors Association has supported states in their efforts on ACEs, trauma, and resiliency through multiple projects over the years. In 2020 and 2021, NGA and the National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP) convened a multi-state technical assistance project on statewide approaches to address ACEs with five states (Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wyoming). This work culminated in the State Actions to Prevent and Mitigate Adverse Childhood Experiences publication.

After the success of the ACEs Learning Collaborative, the mid-Atlantic states involved in that project formed the State Trauma and Resilience Network. This group is comprised of governors’ advisors and senior state leaders focused on addressing ACEs, trauma, and resilience in their states. In 2022, the Network expended to include several more mid-Atlantic states (Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina) and recently decided to expand nationwide with the addition of Wyoming and Wisconsin, with the aim of including additional states as they become interested. The group has been meeting monthly since Fall 2021 to share experiences, ideas, and best practices peer-to-peer. Thanks to the generous support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the Network was able to come together at their first in-person gathering in Washington, DC on June 30, 2022.

State Trauma and Resilience Network

NGA Resources

external resources

• Pathways to Resilience Homepage
• Engaging People with Lived Experience in Policymaking and Program Design Tip Sheet
• Policy Mapping Trauma-Informed Care with the Opioid Epidemic
• Webinar: How States Can Effectively Engage People with Lived Experience