Letter to Legislator

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University of Texas, Arlington *

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Feb 20, 2024

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Julia Wigfall 637 Chase Common Dr. Norcross, GA 30071 September 17, 2023 Representative Lucy McBath 3700 Crestwood Pkwy, Suite 270 Duluth, GA 30096 (470) 773-6330 Dear Rep. McBath: As your constituent, I would like to extend my support for the Improving Data Collection for Adverse Childhood Experiences Act you introduced with Rep. Chris Stewart. I have always felt that trauma was a consistent factor in most mental illnesses and could affect us in more ways than one, and my thoughts were solidified when I was introduced to ACEs by my therapist. After, most of the research papers I wrote while perusing my undergraduate degree at Georgia State University focused on ACEs, their longitudinal effects, and preventative factors. While researching for these assignments, I would consistently find that there was a lack of data regarding Georgians and the long-term effects of ACEs. There is no published research or studies exploring the correlation between major health problems faced by Georgians and the number of ACEs they may have experienced, but there is research on the number of ACEs experienced by Georgians form the Georgia Department of Public Health. Also, while reading the press release on your website regarding the introduction of this bill, I realized you focused more on the children than the overall public health issues related to ACEs. While I agree that preventing childhood trauma is the primary focus, there should also be an emphasis placed on educating citizens on the overall importance and effects of ACEs. As stated by the CDC, raising awareness about ACEs can change how people think about the causes of ACEs and who could help prevent them, shift the focus from individual responsibility to community solutions, and reduce stigma around seeking help with parenting challenges or for substance misuse, depression, or suicidal thoughts. Most importantly, raising awareness will increase the promotion of safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments where children live, learn, and play. Again, I want to express my gratitude for the bill in general since it will provide more research on ACEs and hopefully more resources to prevent them as well.

For reference, I have included a one-page fact sheet and sources. Sincerely, Julia Wigfall MSW Student, University of Texas at Arlington

Fact Sheet National 1. About 64% of U.S. adults reported they had experienced at least one type of ACE before age 18. 2. Nearly 1 in 6 (17.3%) reported they had experienced four or more types of ACEs. 3. Women, American Indian/Alaskan Natives, and African Americans/Blacks were more likely to experience four or more ACEs. 4. At least 5 of the top 10 leading causes of death are associated with ACEs. 5. Adults reporting the highest level of ACEs exposure had increased odds of having chronic health conditions, depression, current smoking, heavy drinking, and socioeconomic challenges like current unemployment, compared to those reporting no ACEs. 6. ACEs are tied to more than 21 million cases of depression and preventing ACEs could reduce the number of adults with depression by as much as 44%. 7. ACEs are tied to almost 2 million cases of heart disease. 8. Preventing ACEs could reduce the number of adults who have heart disease by as much as 13% (up to 1.9 million cases). 9. Preventing ACEs could reduce the number of adults who are overweight/obese by as much as 2% (up to 2.5 million avoided cases). Georgia 10. Over half of adult Georgians (over 3.2 million), experienced at least one ACE during childhood. 11. Nearly 1 in 5 adults reported experiencing four or more ACEs. 12. Having four or more ACEs did not differ by race or ethnicity. 13. Women had a slightly higher prevalence of four or more ACEs compared to men. 14. Adults 65 and older had a significantly lower prevalence of four or more ACEs than other age categories. 15. College graduates had a significantly lower prevalence of four or more ACEs than adults with any educational level.

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References Davis, V.N., Bayakly, A.R., Chosewood, D., Drenzek, C. 2018 Data Summary: Adverse Childhood Experiences. Georgia Department of Public Health, Epidemiology Section, Chronic Disease, Healthy Behaviors, and Injury Epidemiology Unit Merrick M.T., Ford D.C., Ports K.A., et al. Vital Signs: Estimated Proportion of Adult Health Problems Attributable to Adverse Childhood Experiences and Implications for Prevention — 25 States, 2015–2017. MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 2019; 68:999-1005.

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