State Rep. Bronna Kahle has voiced her support for a resolution declaring Adverse Childhood Experiences a critical health issue in Michigan.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention defines Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) as any type of abuse, neglect and other potentially traumatic experience that occurs to people under the age of 18. ACEs can lead to chronic health conditions, mental health deficits, substance use disorder and even early death.

In Michigan, over 34,000 children were victims of child abuse and neglect in 2015. It is estimated that as many as 70 percent of Michigan adults have experienced at least one ACE during their childhood. Each of these individuals may have underlying health problems as a result of their experiences. Individuals who experience six or more ACEs died nearly 20 years earlier on average than those without ACEs.

“Adverse Childhood Experiences are now officially recognized as a major public health crisis,” said Kahle, of Adrian. “Childhood trauma is shown to seriously reduce life expectancy. We must treat this like any other major health crisis and commit to doing all we can to significantly reduce ACEs in our state.”

Senate Concurrent Resolution 8 of 2020 would urge the governor to issue an executive directive requiring administrative entities to assess to what extent the implementation of their programs reduces ACEs and provide an annual state report to the Legislature and the public about progress in reducing ACEs in Michigan.

The resolution was adopted by both chambers and will now be sent to the governor and the director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

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