DENVER, CO – A new peer-reviewed study published on April 11, 2024, in Families, Systems, & Health journal, details the role of interorganizational networks in addressing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in San Luis Valley, a rural community in Colorado.
The study, conducted by researchers including Dr. Jenny Lawlor and Dr. Danielle Varda, in partnership with the team leading the project at the CU Rocky Mountain Prevention Health Center, utilized the innovative PARTNER CPRM™️ tool to analyze the effectiveness of these networks.
Title of the Study: Understanding Rural Social Networks Addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences: A Case Study of the San Luis Valley
Study Overview: The research assessed a cross-sector network of 45 organizations, including nonprofits, health care clinics, and early childhood education centers, focusing on their interactions and the impact on community efforts to combat ACEs. This groundbreaking study provides insight into the network dynamics that facilitate or hinder effective responses to childhood adversity.
Key Findings:
- Nonprofit Organizations at the Forefront: Nonprofits showed higher connectivity within the network, playing a crucial role in mobilizing resources and services.
- Health Clinics as Central Figures: Health clinics emerged as key players in the assessment and service provision, often leading initiatives to support affected children and families.
- High Levels of Trust and Value: The network exhibited strong trust and relational value among members, which is pivotal for sustained collaboration and impact.
Significance of the Study: This study highlights the critical role of structured social networks in rural settings where resources are often limited but the need for coordinated community response is high. The findings underscore the importance of leveraging local relationships and the strategic positioning of organizations within the network to optimize support for vulnerable populations.
Implications for Future Network Development: The insights from this study suggest that fostering high levels of trust and connectivity among diverse organizations can lead to more effective strategies in managing and mitigating the impact of adverse childhood experiences. This can serve as a model for other rural communities facing similar challenges.
About Visible Network Labs: Visible Network Labs is a leader in network science, providing tools and insights to help organizations understand and optimize their social connectedness. The use of PARTNER CPRM™️ in this study exemplifies VNL’s commitment to employing cutting-edge technology to facilitate meaningful and measurable social impact.
An advanced copy of the article is available to read below.
Further Information: To learn more about the study or to inquire about PARTNER CPRM, please visit our website or contact our team.
Contact:
Alex Derr, Director of Communications & Marketing, Visible Network Labs
Email: alex@visiblenetworklabs.com
Phone: 920-382-4019
For additional information on the study, visit the project landing page.
