Take one suffering community, season with passionate leadership, a few “aha moments” and a scoop of flexible philanthropy. Stir in training by experts in the field. Whisk together a robust communication strategy and cross-sector collaboration. Sprinkle with compelling local data. Sample frequently; share results generously. Simmer on the front burner. See change happen.

If only there were a single, simple formula for integrating practices based on adverse childhood experiences research. But the five cities and four states highlighted in this cookbook—just a small sampling of the dozens nationwide that are using ACEs research to grow healthier—demonstrate that the process varies widely from place to place.