In a landmark effort to foster a healthier, more resilient community, Macon Mental Health Matters (MMHM) launched a comprehensive initiative aimed at addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). This groundbreaking program is designed to mitigate the long-term impacts of childhood trauma and build a supportive environment for the community.

Adverse Childhood Experiences include a wide range of stressful or traumatic events that children may endure, such as abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction. Extensive research has shown that these experiences can have profound and lasting effects on physical health, mental well-being, and socio-economic outcomes. Recognizing the critical need to address these issues, MMHM has developed a multi-faceted approach that encompasses education, intervention, and community support.

The initiative kicked off this week with online surveys, allowing community members to share their experiences and insights. Additional options, such as in-person interviews and focus groups, will be available soon. The results from this initiative will be used to:

• Inform public health strategies and policies aimed at preventing childhood trauma and mitigating its effects in the Macon-Bibb area.
• Examine if our community is at higher risk for various health problems, mentally and/or physically.
• Develop targeted interventions and services to help individuals cope with and overcome the effects of their adverse childhood experiences.

“We encourage everyone to take the survey. Please share with your family, friends, coworkers,” says MMHM Coordinator Andrea Cooke. “The more information we have, the better understanding we’ll have of our community. MMHM is here to help and we can do a better job if we know what our neighbors’ needs are.”

The online surveys will be open until July 17, 2024. The surveys are anonymous, with the exception of providing your zip code.