HomeMy WebLinkAboutACE - Support Kitsap Strong MissionCity of Port Orchard
2 1 6 Prospect Street Port Orchard, WA 98366
cityhall@portorchardwa.gov | (360) 87 6-4407
www.portorchardwa. g ov R lt ARD.
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, compelling scientific evidence demonstrates a strong correlation between negative
childhood experiences-known as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) or "toxic stress"-and lifelong ,
health and social challenges; and
WHEREAS, ACEs may include physical, sexual, or verbal abuse; physical and emotional neglecq
witnessing domestic violence; the loss of a parent through separation or divorce; or having a family
member who experiences mental illness, substance use disorder, or incarceration; and
WHEREAS, toxic stress may also arise from broader community and structural challenges such as
poverty, homelessness/ racism, sexism, homophobia, colonization, community violence, and natural
disasters; and
WHEREAS, in Kitsap County, 62% of residents report at least one ACE, and over 37% report three
or more ACEs-and research shows that the greater the number of ACEs, the higher the risk for social,
emotional, behavioral, and physical health challenges, including school suspension, dropout,
unemployment, homelessness, incarceration, chronic disease, and substance use; and
WHEREAS, ACEs are linked to many of our most costly community issues, including 78o/o of
intravenous drug use, 69%of mentalillness, 67%of suicide attempts, 65%of alcoholism, 62%of domestic
violence and homelessness, 61% of adult incarceration, 54% of prescription drug abuse, and significant
percentages of major chronic health conditions; and
WHEREAS, resiliency is the antidote-built through supportive relationships and adaptive skills
such as emotional regulation, stress management, decision-making, and healthy relationships-which can
transform potentially toxic stress into tolerable stress and foster lifelong well-being; and
WHEREAS, resiliency must be nurtured across the lifespan, through consistent meaningful
engagement with caring adults, supportive environments that foster agency, pathways, and goals, and
community-wide collaborative efforts that empower individuals and families to thrive; and
WHEREAS, Kitsap Strong envisions a flourishing community where all children are raised with
consistency and nurturance, and is mobilizing residents, organizations, and leaders to prevent ACEs in
future generations by strengthening individual and community resilience;
NOW THEREFORE, BE lT RESOLVED that l, Robert Putaansuu, Mayor of the City of Port Orchard, do hereby
proclaim October 2O25Io be the annual observance of
RESILI ENCY AWARENESS MONTH
I urge all residents to learn about the impact of ACEs, to embrace resilience-building practices in daily life
and work, and to support the mission of Kitsap Strong in creating a community of hope, healing, and
this 5th day of September 2025
Robert Putaansuu, Mayor
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