Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACEs, is one of six priority areas identified in the 2022 Snohomish County Community Health Assessment.
ACEs are potentially traumatic life events before a child turns 18. These can include:
- verbal or physical abuse,
- exposure to substance misuse,
- incarceration of a household member,
- and other traumatic events.
A higher number of ACEs experienced – often called an ACEs score – corresponds to a higher risk of poor health outcomes like depression, illicit drug use, smoking, attempted suicide, partner violence, obesity, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Nearly a quarter of Snohomish County students have an ACEs score of three or more.