Chronic stressful or traumatic childhood experiences can alter brain development and the immune system leading to lasting physiological and cognitive changes.
A large and growing body of evidence shows that ACE’s have a significant negative effect on a broad range of cognitive, socio-emotional, and health outcomes over the lifespan, including risk of chronic disease, mental illness, violence, and being a victim of violence.
Source: WNC Healthy Impact Community Health Survey, 2018 and US BRFSS, 2010
Approximately 16% of adults in WNC report that they have experienced 4 or more ACEs. The following adult populations were significantly more likely to report high ACE score in 2018:
(WNCHN- WNC Healthy Impact Community Health Survey, 2021)
Differences in health outcomes across social groups, economic status, and racial/ethnic identity are closely linked with disparities in social determinants of health, which disproportionately burden individuals and communities who experience systemic disadvantage and/or discrimination. See our data story on the Social Determinants of Health to learn more about how the conditions in which people are born, live, work, play, learn, worship, and age can influence their ability to achieve good health for themselves and their families.
Source: WNC Healthy Impact Community Health Survey, 2018
Source: WNC Healthy Impact Community Health Survey, 2018
Source: WNCHN- Online Key Informant Survey, 2021
The information in this section should be interpreted and used with care. It should be used only to help local health departments and agencies begin to understand community perceptions about local health issues. Communities are strongly encouraged to collect their own, local-level data to inform local planning and evaluation activities.
“We have a community that is ready to help in any way possible once a need has been identified. Various different providers/professionals in the community have also been trained and educated on the impact of ACES. We have a grassroots level of professionals that are ready and willing to really make lasting changes in our community regarding ACES so that we have a healthier community.”
“Many clinics, doctor offices, and advocacy groups support individual, family’s health and wellbeing.”
“The local public schools and the community college support the health and wellbeing of our community. Having key officials that focus on removing barriers helps both entities in serving the community.”
“We work with a lot of young children through our early childhood programs. Preventing trauma and helping vulnerable families and children deal with trauma is an important part of what we do.”
The western North Carolina region includes 17 communities: 16 counties and Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI)
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