This 63-page report was prepared by Christopher Blodgett, Ph.D. Washington State University Area Health Education Center.

This paper summarizes a number of community and treatment system initiatives in Washington State that address elements of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) prevention and mitigation across a range of social, behavioral, and emotional consequences. In doing so, the 20 year history of Community Public Health and Safety Networks is reviewed. The community networks represent a foundational body of work because of its continuing integration in the ACEs Public Private Initiative (APPI) development effort and the systematic efforts of the community networks to use ACEs intentionally as a core set of concepts in community mobilization.

To place these various programs in context, I review public health practice as a framework for addressing ACEs-focused community mobilization efforts through a common language. I then propose a trauma-informed model of public health practice that is intended to help APPI consider the unique challenges in using ACEs and trauma concepts. Finally, I review the recommendations from community prevention science which provides a detailed framework for what is required if community-centered public health efforts are to succeed.