Consider the community risk factors your peers listed. Are they similar to your community? Did any of their risks surprise you? Why or why not?

The community risk factors that my peers listed are similar to the risks in my own community. Some of these include poverty, lack of access to healthcare, unemployment, and low educational attainment. These issues are all prevalent in my area and it is not surprising that they would be present elsewhere as well. However, one risk factor that did surprise me somewhat was the mention of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) such as abuse or neglect due to how much of an impact this can have on an individual’s physical and emotional wellbeing into adulthood. It is important for communities to work together in order to mitigate any potential harm caused by ACEs so that everyone has the opportunity to thrive regardless of their circumstances.