Recently, my wife and I viewed the movie Seabiscuit for the umpteenth time—as it is a favorite. Each time I’ve watched the movie, I notice something I haven’t noticed before.
This time, I focused on the message that was being repeated over and over again. To paraphrase that message: we all go through tough times, but we need to keep going in order to succeed and having a second chance is necessary.
But is that true? Or does that have to be true? The answer to that question in the context of Adverse Childhood Experience is yes and no.
ARE “SECOND CHANCES” NECESSARY?
The answer is yes for those who have experienced ACEs in our population as they might think that a second chance was never an option. The impact of ACE on adolescents and subsequently as adults without having interventions (no second chance) is our current status. The impact on the conditions of everyday life affects too many individuals and drains our resources. We must change.
The answer is no in the context of our primary objective where we would prefer a culture and environment where ACEs never occur. The reality is that ACEs are present and to achieve our ultimate goal of eliminating ACEs, we must first focus on reducing the impact of ACE for those adolescents and adults. We need to provide that second chance.
To see more of this blog from Rick Murdock, ACEconnection member and the Michigan Association of Health Care Plans, follow this link:
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