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 was comprised of governors’ advisors and senior state leaders focused on addressing ACEs, trauma, and resilience in their states. In 2022, the Network expanded to include several more mid-Atlantic states (Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina) and then expanded nationwide with the addition of Wyoming and Wisconsin. The group met monthly virtually from the Fall of 2021, to share experiences, ideas, and best practices peer-to-peer, before holding an in-person gathering in Washington, DC on June 30, 2022.
NGA Resources
For NGA’s continuing work please visit the Children & Families and Health program pages.
