In a recent edition of Mid-Day Magazine, host James J. Malouf, was joined by Niki Lucht from the Wood County Health Department.

Youth Risk Behavior Survey Summary

They opened with a discussion on the recent Youth Risk Behavior Survey Summary. This Survey is done every two years with middle and high school students. Luckily, Wood County has very high involvement in the survey so findings are very helpful. Lucht listed some of the key findings of the survey. She listed increased rates of Anxiety, Depression, Food Insecurity, and Suicide. There was increased substance use, and instances of rape in students as well. There was a 105% increase in students who think violence is a problem at school. These findings are in line with the state-wide findings as well. This was the first year they included a recommendation area to the survey. These recommendations are visible in the report as an emphasized need to address. The emphasized needs are those regarding students with chronic health conditions or disabilities, students who identify as LGBTQ+, and food insecurity.

Community Health Improvement Plan

Malouf and Lucht then discussed the addition of Food Insecurity concerns to be addressed in the Community Health Improvement Plan. Lucht explained that the plan addresses many of the factors highlighted in the finding of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey Summary. There are many ways that you can get involved and help the community. Personal involvement in non-profits that address those causes are recommended, and contacting the Health Department to ask how you can help is another. Here is a link to the emails of the Wood County Health Department staff.

Links

To listen to the interview in full you may do so at our website.

If you or someone you know needs to talk, 988 encourages you to reach out.

To find assistance that is available to you call The United Way 211.

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