Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Lifelong Health

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Adverse Childhood Experiences — “ACEs” — are potentially traumatic events that happen in childhood, such as abuse, neglect, or growing up in a household affected by violence, substance use, mental illness, or instability. Research shows that ACEs are common and can have lasting effects on health, learning, and well-being well into adulthood. The hopeful part: ACEs are preventable, and caring, stable relationships help children grow up healthy and resilient — including right here in Grand Rapids and Kent County.

What counts as an ACE

ACEs include experiences before age 18 such as:

• Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
• Physical or emotional neglect
• Witnessing violence in the home or community
• Having a family member attempt or die by suicide
• Growing up with substance use, mental illness, or instability in the household (for example, parental separation or a household member in jail)

ACEs are common — many adults report at least one. They are not anyone’s fault, and they don’t determine a child’s future.

Why ACEs matter for health

Toxic stress from ACEs can affect a child’s developing brain and body. Over time, ACEs are linked to higher risks of:

• Heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions
• Depression, anxiety, and substance use
• Difficulties in school, work, and relationships

The more ACEs a person experiences, the higher the risk — but risk is not destiny. Support and treatment make a real difference at any age.

Prevention and building resilience

Children do best with safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments. Families and communities can help by:

• Building strong, caring relationships — even one supportive adult can change a child’s path.
• Strengthening family supports like affordable child care, parenting help, and economic stability.
• Teaching kids coping and problem-solving skills.
• Connecting families to mental-health and community services early.

Local help in Grand Rapids

If you or your child has experienced trauma, support is available — and it works:

• Talk with your pediatrician or primary care doctor, who can screen and refer.
• Network180 (Kent County community mental health) connects families to counseling and services.
• Cherry Health and local school and community programs offer behavioral-health support.
• In crisis, call or text 988, or Network180 at (616) 336-3909.

Healing is possible. Reaching out for support is a strength, not a weakness.