Injuries, violence, and suicide share many of the same root causes and can be addressed collectively by focusing on factors that either put groups at risk or protect them. For example, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), social isolation, substance use, and unstable housing can put someone at higher risk for experiencing injuries, suicide, or violence. Conversely, supportive relationships, access to health care, and problem-solving and coping skills can be protective against those outcomes. ASTHO offers technical assistance on implementing best practice programs and policies to address them.
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Voices From the Field: Public Health Success Stories
This curated collection of stories highlight how public health agencies are addressing and preventing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), suicide, overdose, mental health-related concerns, and more.
Addressing the Intersection of ACEs, Suicide, Overdose, and Mental Health Concerns
This resource suite helps health agencies address the interconnected challenges of ACEs, suicide, overdose, and mental health using evidence‑based strategies focused on economic and foundational supports, the built environment, and trauma‑responsive approaches.
Prioritizing Economic Support Policies to Prevent ACEs and Promote Public Health
Explore economic support policy options to prevent ACEs and promote public health in your jurisdiction.
SPACECAT
The Suicide, Overdose, and Adverse Childhood Experiences Prevention Capacity Assessment Tool (SPACECAT) helps local, state, and territorial health agencies better understand their capacity to address suicide, overdose, and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).
Public Health's Role in Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention
This framework describes public health’s role in mental health promotion and suicide prevention and helps public health practitioners communicate their role in mental health promotion and suicide prevention with multi-sector partners.
Suicide Prevention Offices and Committees Legal Map
This map highlights key legal provisions that formalize and strengthen suicide prevention infrastructure.
Latest Violence Prevention Resources
Strengthening Community and Home Environments
Strengthening Economic Supports for Families
Strengthening Supports to Lessen the Impact of and Prevent Future Traumatic Experiences
