Rethinking healthcare’s approach to ACEs treatment and the role of social health programming

The creation of on-site clinics at organizations providing SHP is one potential avenue for healthcare systems to alleviate barriers to SHP participation. For example, our academic healthcare system has a collaborative community clinic providing on-site healthcare for local community members and SHP participants at Girls Inc., Omaha. Girls can access the clinic during SHP attendance, and the clinic is open in the evenings to improve access for family or community members who work during typical business hours. The collaborative community clinic can also provide patients with traditional treatment for ACEs, including mental health counseling, referrals to government programs including SNAP (Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program) or TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), community resources such as food banks or legal aid, and treatment for NCDs which may have developed because of weathering. Additionally, the longstanding partnership between Girls Inc., Omaha and our healthcare system facilitates the timely delivery and uptake of health information during community health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Partnerships between community organizations delivering SHP and their local health systems are a benefit to all – SHP is improved by reducing barriers to healthcare provision, partnering heath systems are able to build trust in their local communities, and community members receive critical access to both SHP and medical care to address their health needs.

Healthcare systems can also support SHP through sponsorship. Funding is a limiting factor for any organization, and in 2019 the American Academy of Pediatrics released a statement calling for investments in SHP as a solution to mitigate the lifelong biological impact of ACEs.¹⁰ Sponsorship could support SHP expansion through infrastructure updates, additional staff members, or the implementation of key programming goals. As an example, the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) partners with multiple SHP entities to host annual science and medicine events where providers and staff volunteer to provide STEM exposure with hands-on STEM activities such as DNA extraction, sheep eye dissection, and neonatal intubation. Additionally, UNMC partners to provide paid internship opportunities for high school students participating in SHPs. These career development opportunities can drastically alter the career trajectory of students who otherwise would not have access to crucial economic, educational, or networking resources. Early investment in SHP as part of an evidence-based preventative medicine strategy also benefits local health systems by promoting workforce pipeline development and potentially reducing later NCD-related healthcare costs.

Individual healthcare providers can support SHP by volunteering to provide educational programming as a representative of their healthcare system. The authors have several years of experience providing programming for SHP both as individuals and as representatives of our healthcare system. SHP programming is an opportunity for healthcare providers to engage with their local community and help children build resiliency skills and healthy lifestyle habits through fun, hands-on activities. Examples of programming we have conducted include nutrition and cooking classes, self-defense seminars, science-themed escape rooms, art projects, and water balloon fights. Additionally, healthcare providers can support the educational and career development of SHP participants by volunteering to provide tutoring, hosting a student intern, or becoming a mentor for one child. Healthcare providers can be particularly impactful mentors for children interested in medical or scientific careers, as they can share their own experiences with their mentees and provide otherwise unattainable opportunities for mentees to explore career options. As a mentor, healthcare providers can also provide invaluable emotional support and help children build their self-confidence. These interactions enrich SHP experiences for participants, are fulfilling and impactful experiences for volunteers, and foster community trust in local health systems.