Story Behind the Curve
Strategies to improve these indicators
Why Is This Important?
Our children's health is the foundation for successful adolescence and adulthood. Our 2015 needs assessment repeatedly expressed concern over substance abuse. The 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey affirmed the concern. Use of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs is associated with a variety of potentially harmful behaviors that can lead to negative outcomes such as poor school performance, social adjustment problems, delinquency, risky sexual behavior, driving under the influence, and involvement in the juvenile justice system. Conversely, if youth are not using drugs, they are more likely to maintain or strengthen school attachment, participate in positive activities that will prepare them for adulthood, and develop a sense of personal responsibility without chemically-based dependencies.
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