By Rhys Baker

As we continue to highlight Suicide Awareness Month this September, every caregiver needs to consider Adverse childhood experiences, also known as ACEs, when working with others. ACEs are stressful or traumatic events that happen in a person’s lifetime, such as death or violence. Studies have shown that ACEs are strongly related to brain development and don’t necessarily have to be a one-time event. Clay Counts Coalition Coordinator Lori Martin says sometimes the experiences happen over time. “We’ve learned that statistically when a child is placed in a situation where they experienced drug use in their home as they grow up, it makes them much more vulnerable to not only health issues and challenges and addiction themselves, but also physical illness because of the stress that comes with it.”

The Clay Counts coalition recently held an ACE workshop and Youth Mental Health First Aid training for all Clay County first responders. Martin says this is a piece of the puzzle of an overall strategy between USD 379 Educators and Clay County First Responders. “We’ve worked to increase communication between law enforcement and our school district so that our teachers are better informed when a kiddo has experienced tragedy in their home. Certainly, our teachers have huge hearts for kids; they always want to be as responsive as possible if they know what’s happening, and we have a confidential system set up.” 

Youth Mental Health First Aid introduces participants to the unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems in adolescents, builds an understanding of the importance of early intervention, and teaches individuals how to help an adolescent in crisis or experiencing a mental health challenge.