Addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences in Granville and Vance Counties Through the Use of School-Based Interventions

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Granville and Vance Counties in North Carolina face significant challenges related to food insecurity, economic stability, and the mental health of the youth within these communities. In Vance County, 17.8% of children experience food insecurity, exceeding the state average of 14.9%, while unemployment rates in Granville (5.6%) and Vance (7.5%) surpass the state average of 4.5% (NCIPH, 2023). Additionally, 25% of students report symptoms of anxiety and depression which highlights the urgent need for early intervention (2021).&nbsp;</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Limitations in policy and funding impact efforts to reduce Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), emphasizing the need for advocacy to enhance mental health support and improve resource allocation. Research indicates that students suspended between the grades 7-12 have an increased risk of incarceration by the age of 26 (Hemez et al., 2021). This emphasizes the importance of school-based interventions and data-driven policies. By fostering partnerships and implementing CQI, this initiative aims to enhance long-term health outcomes by disrupting cycles of trauma and strengthening resilience with the communities of Granville and Vance Counties.&nbsp;</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">The project implements a data based coordinated strategy with community partnership with policy advocacy and continuous quality improvement (CQI) to decrease ACEs effects while enhancing mental well being. The initiative focuses on early intervention combined with specific support services and inclusive program design to construct resilience while decreasing disparities and enhancing long term health results. The approach focuses on creating lasting systems changes and sustainable infrastructure to tackle structural inequities which will produce better health outcomes for children and families in these rural counties.</span>