Cape Regional Wellness Alliance Formed to Reduce the Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES)

CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE – Cape Regional Health System, through a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation/NJ Health Initiatives (NJHI), has formed the Cape Regional Wellness Alliance for the goal of building a culture of health in Cape May County. The Alliance is dedicated to developing and implementing strategies to reduce the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) in Cape May County, focusing on the communities of Lower Township, Middle Township, Wildwood and Woodbine.
Cape Regional Wellness Alliance believes that children are our county’s most precious resource. According to the 2017 NJ Kids Count report, for the 17th year in a row, Cape May County is ranked the highest of all 21 New Jersey counties in unemployment and child out-of-home placements, is ranked lowest in overall child wellness, and has the highest rate of reported and substantiated investigations of child abuse and/or neglect.
“Adverse Childhood Experiences is a term to describe all types of abuse (emotional, physical and sexual), neglect (emotional, physical) and other traumatic experiences (mother treated violently, substance abuse, mental illness, separation/divorce and incarcerated household member) that occur in individuals under the age of 18,” stated Tom Piratzky, Executive Director, Cape Regional Foundation, Cape Regional Health System and member of the Cape Regional Wellness Alliance. “These traumatized children face challenges that no child deserves, and damage caused by ACES often results in young people who develop long lasting harmful behaviors that affect themselves, their families and their communities.” 
Core members of the Cape Regional Wellness Alliance include: Tom Piratzky, Executive Director, Cape Regional Foundation; Vicki Clark, President, Cape May County Chamber of Commerce; Christopher Kobik, Superintendent of Schools, Lower Township; Vicki Lachman, PhD, APRN, Cape Regional Health System Board Member; Christopher Leusner, Chief of Police, Middle Township; and Greg Speed, President, Cape Counseling. Dr. Lachman is also the Alliance “Coach” for the project. 
The Board of Chosen Freeholders of Cape May County presented the Alliance with a resolution proclaiming November 2017 as ACES Awareness Month in Cape May County. “The Board of Chosen Freeholders of Cape May County are committed to raise awareness about ACES, and pledge to promote a safe and healthy environment for all children and encourage parents, caregivers, educators and neighbors to provide love, security, support and a strong connection to the families and communities,” stated Freeholders  Marie Hayes and Leonard Desiderio. “We congratulate you on your mission of building a culture of health in Cape May County and for your dedication to the youth of our county.”