Drug Free Hendry County, Florida Drug and Alcohol Evaluation 2017

Transcription

1 Drug Free Hendry County, Florida Drug and Alcohol Evaluation 2017 Prepared by: The Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida, Inc. and Drug Free Hendry County

2 Table of Contents Methodology 2 Summary of Program Strengths 4 Summary of Program Recommendations 7 Summary of Assessment Data 8 Program Goals 12 Strengthen and Increase Community Collaboration 12 Reduce Youth Substance Abuse 20 Additional Community Feedback 36 Student Surveys 36 Educator Surveys 39 Parent and Community Member Surveys 42 Adult Interviews 46 Interviewees 57 Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida 1

3 Methodology The Drug Free Hendry County Coalition (DFHC) works to help reduce substance abuse among youth and young adults in Hendry County and to encourage them to make positive, healthy decisions. In order to further this mission, DFHC and the Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida, Inc. (HPC) developed a collaborative partnership to conduct assessments of the use of alcohol, drugs and tobacco by Hendry County youth in 2014 and 2016 and this evaluation of the DFHC program s strategies for helping to reduce substance abuse among Hendry County Youth. The process consisted of a research review, program activities review, and community input review. Review of Existing Data In order to evaluate the progress on many of the items in the work plan, a review of external data sources relevant to the program mission. Activities Review HPC conducted a review of education and outreach initiatives based on multiple measures. DFHC meeting announcements, attendance, and minutes were reviewed. Marketing methods and materials were examined. DFHC sponsored school activities and community events were evaluated. Furthermore, online postings on the DFHC website and social media platforms were tracked and assessed. HPC also noted specific program accomplishments. Student Surveys HPC designed a student survey, which DFHC administered to students at two program events. This allowed students to provide candid feedback on the program. Online Surveys HPC and DFHC created two online surveys, one for educators and one for parents and community members. Both had a two-month response window. The surveys were designed to garner feedback on the program s impact within the Hendry County community. Interviews HPC also conducted 14 interviews with key informants to gather feedback on program strengths and areas for improvement. Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida 2

4 The results of this evaluation will be used to strengthen DFHC s ability to decrease or eliminate the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs by the youth of Hendry County and to enhance DFHC s ability to encourage positive decision-making contributing to increased positive outcomes for not only the youth of Hendry County, but for the community as a whole. Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida 3

5 Summary of Program Strengths The Talent Show at the Sugar Festival was a huge success. Students competed on the Sugar Festival s main stage showing off their talents and creating positive attention for Drug Free Hendry County. Drug Free Hendry has a well-maintained online presence across multiple platforms: website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and SnapChat. SnapChat was introduced this year, and DFHC has already posted more than 87 snaps and has over 40 followers. A special SnapChat filter was used for the Talent Show. The filter had 3,261 views. The LivePositive863 posters are highly visible across the community in places such as the Department of Health and school buildings. Red Ribbon Week was a great success. National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week was done very well. The percentage of youth who have ever tried cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco has decreased. Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida 4

6 Percentage Use Percentage Use HENDRY COUNTY, FLORIDA DRUG AND ALCOHOL EVALUATION 2017 The percentage of youth who currently use cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco has decreased. The use of cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, and electronic vaporizers on school property has decreased. Alcohol use among middle-school students has decreased. Past-30-day alcohol use, Hendry County and Florida Statewide Middle School High School Overall Source: 2016 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey Inhalant use among both middle and high school students has decreased. Past-30-day inhalant use, Hendry County and Florida Statewide Middle School High School Overall Source: 2016 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida 5

7 Percentage Use HENDRY COUNTY, FLORIDA DRUG AND ALCOHOL EVALUATION 2017 In addition, prescription pain reliever use among both middle and high school students has decreased. Past-30-day prescription pain reliever use, Hendry County and Florida Statewide Middle School High School Overall Source: 2016 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey Drug Free Hendry County was recognized for the social norms campaign, Live Positive 863, by Mother's Against Drunk Driving (M.A.D.D.) at their first annual 5k, Walk Like M.A.D.D. Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida 6

8 Summary of Program Recommendations A summary of the program recommendations is included here; further information can be found in the additional community feedback section that follows. After a steady decline from 2006 to 2014, the 2016 FYSAS results show that there has been an increase in youth substance abuse in Hendry County over the past two years. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that prevention efforts evolve along with the substance abuse epidemic in order to maintain their efficacy. Community suggestions on methods that may help to improve program outcomes include: Greatly increase advertising and promote awareness Continue to increase membership; incentivize if possible Reach out to a wider variety of youth Go to parent meetings in schools Host guest speakers, especially recovered addicts Use resources more strategically Programs and strategies must keep up with changes in needs Create a community center that offers safe, fun activities for youth Host summer camps, weekend retreats, etc. Focus on younger kids Pair adult mentors with at-risk youth I m Drug Free T-shirts that students can wear on a specific day Drug Free Downtown Day/Night (invite families, get sponsors, host activities, etc.) Changes to the perception of marijuana. Interviewees indicated that marijuana is now perceived as being safe for use, especially with the legalization of medical marijuana. Additional promotion in local businesses Based on the data, the program may also want to consider focusing on the following topics: Efforts to deter the use of hookah and electronic vaping Efforts to curb alcohol use, especially binge drinking, among high school students Increase attempts to deter drinking and driving Increase efforts to deter smoking marijuana and driving Increase awareness of consequences of providing alcohol to minors Raise awareness among educators on the use and importance of FYSAS Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida 7

9 Summary of Assessment Data In an effort to decrease drug and alcohol abuse by the youth of Hendry County, a collaborative partnership was formed in 2016 between the Hendry County Health Department and the Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida, Inc. (HPC) for the purpose of conducting a community drug and alcohol assessment for use by the Hendry County Health Department, Drug Free Hendry County, and other community partners. Below is a summary of the findings in that assessment. Alcohol-related Motor Vehicle Crashes Hendry County has recently seen a decrease in the rates of alcohol-related crashes in the county (82.6 per 100,000 for ). Injuries from alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes in Hendry County have decreased over the last several years and are slightly below the state of Florida s rate. Drug and Alcohol-related Arrest Data Arrests in Hendry County for Driving Under the Influence have been on the decline over the last twelve years. Drug arrests have fluctuated, but have seen a recent increase. Arrests from liquor law violations have seen a steady decrease since 2006 and remains steady. Department of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Referrals The number of Hendry County youth being referred to the Department of Juvenile Justice for misdemeanor-level alcohol offenses has consistently been small, and the number of youth being referred to the Department of Juvenile Justice for drugrelated offenses has been on the decline. Emergency Department Visits Hendry County youth (ages 0-17) have had fairly low number of alcohol/drugrelated emergency department visits, with the most recent instances being of high severity, but not immediately life threatening. Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida 8

10 Smoking During Pregnancy Hendry County s rates of live births to mothers who smoked during pregnancy have fluctuated within a small margin, but have remained lower than for the state of Florida as a whole. Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey According to the 2016 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey, 80.1 percent of Hendry County students reported that they had not used alcohol in the past 30 days. The percentage of students reporting no use of cigarettes over the past 30 days in Hendry County was slightly lower than the Florida average (95.6% Hendry vs. 96.6% Florida) percent of Hendry County students reported that they had not used marijuana in the past 30 days. Beyond the more widely abused substances (alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana), high school students in Hendry County abuse depressants most frequently (5.4% of Hendry County high school students reported having ever abused depressants). Over the last ten years, those Hendry County students reporting that they have never used alcohol has increased from 41.6 percent in 2006 to 60.4 percent in When assessing Protective Factors, Hendry County high school students reported the lowest rates of protection for the Family Rewards for Prosocial Involvement (51%) and Family Opportunities for Prosocial Involvement (56%) scales. Middle school students reported the lowest rates of protection for the Community Rewards for Prosocial Involvement (44%) and Religiosity (43%) scales. When assessing Risk Factors, Hendry County high school students reported the highest rates of risk for the Community Disorganization (60%) and Transitions and Mobility (52%) scales. Middle school students also reported the highest rates of risk for the Community Disorganization (58%) and Transitions and Mobility (52%) scales. Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida 9

11 Florida Youth Tobacco Survey According to the Florida Youth Tobacco Survey, the use of cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco by youth in Hendry County is decreasing; however, the use of hookah and electronic vaping is quickly increasing. The use of tobacco on school property is decreasing. Nearly 75 percent of Hendry County youth reported that they are committed to never using cigarettes. Student Social Norms Survey According to the Student Social Norm Survey, perception of high school alcohol use was it its lowest rate for the school year, while the percentage of high school students who reported having at least one drink of alcohol during the past 30 days has remained fairly consistent. Actual alcohol usage for the school year for Hendry County middle school students was at its lowest (16%) and the perception of alcohol use was at its lowest as well (50%). For the school year, 48 percent of Hendry County high school students and 74 percent of middle school students stated that they have never used alcohol. Hendry County high school students reported rates of smoking cigarettes for the school year that were similar to recent years. The perception of cigarette use, however, is at its lowest. Middle school students in Hendry County are reporting much lower rates of having smoked cigarettes than in years past. For the school year, 73 percent of Hendry County high school students and 87 percent of middle school students stated that they have never smoked cigarettes. For the school year, 64 percent of Hendry County high school students and 86 percent of middle school students stated that they have never used marijuana. For the school year, 73 percent of Hendry County high school students and 90 percent of middle school, students stated they have never used prescription drugs. Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida 10

12 Community Survey The largest number of respondents felt that SOME youth (roughly 26%-50%) are abusing alcohol and cigarettes. The largest number of respondents felt that SOME youth (roughly 11%- 25%) are abusing smokeless tobacco, vaporizing/e-cigarettes and depressants. Cigarettes and alcohol were felt by the largest number of respondents to be used most frequently of all the substances. Eleven percent of those surveyed responded that there is community approval of high school students attending parties where there is no parental supervision. An overwhelming majority responded that the community disapproves or strongly disapproves of drinking and driving. The majority of adults surveyed felt that alcohol and drugs are easily attained in Hendry County. Survey respondents suggested that the best ways to communicate anti-substance abuse messages were through parents, through schools, and on Facebook. The most selected type of message to be communicated was the danger of addiction. When asked what other ways Hendry County should work to prevent substance abuse, most respondents selected the responses for campaigns aimed at parents as well as more recreational facilities for the youth. Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida 11

13 Goal 1: Program Goals Strengthen and Increase Community Collaboration Objective 1: Increase coalition membership by five people by September 29, 2017 as shown on the membership roster Strategy 1: Utilize social media to engage the community and provide current knowledge about the coalition s opportunities for membership Activities: Use Facebook and Twitter to share up-to-date information to generate interest in membership. Two Facebook posts and five Tweets will be published weekly through September 29, Responsible Parties: Coalition Board and Staff Distribute materials and encourage attendance at coalition meetings and events Responsible Parties: Coalition Staff Review of Progress: Objective 1: Coalition membership increased by 23 members. Strategy 1: The social media activity goals including two Facebook posts and five Tweets were met for nearly all weeks. Successes: The coalition membership doubled. The Coalition has 81 Followers on Twitter, 601 Likes on Facebook, and 185 Followers on Instagram. Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida 12

14 Challenges: Approximately 39 percent of adult interviewees suggested using social media Suggestions: Increase use of social media Increase awareness of social media campaigns- maybe through advertising Hire a social media consultant to increase social media presence/make more effective Contests on social media Campaigns to take selfies and post on social media Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida 13

15 Strengthen and Increase Community Collaboration Objective 2: Increase coalition members capacity to engage in prevention by 20% as shown by pre and post test scores by September 29, Strategy 1: Continue trainings and updates on the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) and Seven Strategies for Community Level Change Activities: Train members at monthly coalition meetings through September 14, 2017 on the SPF and Seven Strategies with a focus on reducing/enhancing barriers, consequences and policy Responsible Parties: Coalition Board and Staff Review of Progress: Objective 2: Pre and post tests were not completed. Strategy 1: Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) and Seven Strategies for Community Level Change Training was formally completed once due to the need to focus on other priorities such as other training and recruitment efforts; however, it was incorporated informally into each meeting. Successes Ideas from the SPF and Seven Strategies for Community Level Change Training were utilized in meetings. Challenges Training on the SPF and Seven Strategies for Community Level Change requires a great deal of time. Suggestions Schedule additional meeting time to allow for pre-testing, training, and post-testing. Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida 14

16 Strengthen and Increase Community Collaboration Objective 3: Three adult members and five youth members (ages 14-18) will become trained advocates to the community as shown by documented presentations in the community and at schools by September 29, Strategy 1: Develop/research and provide coalition advocacy and public speaking trainings Activities: Train coalition and youth on media, public advocacy and teen brain development to present at schools, churches, and clubs by December 15, Train coalition members on social norms for presentations to local organizations and as mentors at social norms programs at schools through September 14, Responsible Parties: Coalition Staff and members (youth focus) Review of Progress: Objective 3: Youth were trained on tobacco; however, other trainings were not completed. Strategy 1: Youth were trained to present on the following dates January 18, 2017 and January 26, Successes LivePositive863 allowed youth act as mentors and promote positive social norms at schools. Youth conducted a tobacco presentation January 31, Challenges: Students are sometimes hesitant about presenting in front of others. Lack of time for both adults and students to be trained and give presentations. Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida 15

17 Suggestions Select a group of committed students at the beginning of each school year, so they can be trained early in the year and present throughout the year. Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida 16

18 Strengthen and Increase Community Collaboration Objective 4: Reinforce credibility and continue to build coalition as the local authority for information, education and resources as shown by an increase of 50% of reached on social media including website, Facebook and Twitter by September 29, Strategy 1: Ensure website is updated to reflect events and news and that Facebook posts are at a minimum twice weekly and tweets are sent five days per week Activities: By the first Friday of each month, send updates to webmaster, Fresh Marketing, as needed to keep community informed of the most recent data and events Responsible Parties: Coalition staff and members Post to Facebook biweekly through September 29, 2017 about what the coalition is doing Responsible Parties: Coalition staff and members Beginning October 3, 2016, tweet five days per week to increase discussions online Responsible Parties: Coalition staff and members Distribute materials and encourage attendance at coalition meetings and events Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida 17

19 Source: Review of Progress: Objective 4: Youth and adults were reached through 148 Facebook posts and 248 Tweets. The total number reached was 5,725 people. Strategy 1: Facebook posts were completed biweekly for most weeks, and Tweets were sent five days per week for most weeks. Website was not updated frequently. Successes: Posts were made regularly to both Facebook and Twitter for most weeks. The DFHC Facebook page attained 600 Likes. 1,200 Facebook users were reached on a single post. Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida 18

20 Challenges: The webmaster was not a good fit for the program. The last week of June and first week of July did not have any postings. Parent surveys suggested increased use of social media. The number of posts in September was low due to Hurricane Irma. The Department of Health cannot publish Like us on Facebook. Suggestions: Bring webmaster services back under the program s direct control. Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida 19

21 Goal 2: Reduce Youth Substance Abuse Objective 1: Achieve a 1.1% decrease from 17.1% as shown by comparison of 2014 to 2016 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey (FYSAS) results in 30 day alcohol use among students ages by November 30, Strategy 1: Social norms program and peer-to-peer outreach in middle and high schools Activities: Each month during the August 2016-May 2017 school year, at each middle and high school, provide year eight of social norms campaigns to shift youth perception surrounding underage drinking from something everybody does to the true norm that most Hendry County teens do not use alcohol Responsible Parties: Coalition staff, trained adult coalition members and community volunteers Students to provide peer-to-peer education All You Need to Know About Alcohol as permitted at school and summer events through September 29, Responsible Parties: Coalition Board and Staff Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida 20

22 Strategy 2: The Hendry County School Board will add a Health and Wellness Policy requiring a parent or guardian to attend an education class on the developing teen brain; talking with their teen; and drug and drug use recognition as a requirement for a student s participation in any extracurricular activity. Activities: Parent education meetings will be provided free of charge for parents/guardians twice a year by September 29, Responsible Parties: Coalition board and staff Supplemental classes and information will be offered at the Parent Education Meeting Responsible Parties: Coalition staff, members and partners Review of Progress: Objective 1: The percentage of Hendry County youth ages who had used alcohol in the past 30 days in as measured on the 2014 FYSAS was Unfortunately, in 2016, this same measure increased to Strategy 1: Year eight of the social norms campaigns were provided to shift youth perception surrounding underage drinking from something everybody does to the true norm that most Hendry County teens do not use alcohol. The peer-to-peer education program All You Need to Know About Alcohol is in its early development. Strategy 2: The Health and Wellness Policy was proposed. The Hendry County School Board and school administrators supported the policy; however, the legal team did not approve the change. Parent education meetings were cancelled due to Hurricane Irma. Successes: Over the past ten years, the number of high school students reporting that they have engaged in binge drinking has decreased. Drug Free Hendry County was recognized for the social norms campaign, Live Positive 863, by Mother's Against Drunk Driving (M.A.D.D.) at their first annual 5k, Walk Like M.A.D.D. Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida 21

23 Percentage Use HENDRY COUNTY, FLORIDA DRUG AND ALCOHOL EVALUATION 2017 Binge Drinking, Hendry County and Florida Statewide Middle School High School Overall Source: 2016 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey Challenges: Students that agreed to participate in the Social norms program and peerto-peer outreach in middle and high schools were not committed to the program. According to the 2016 FYSAS, alcohol is the most commonly used drug among Hendry County students. The Hendry County School Board turned down the proposal for a Health and Wellness Policy. Suggestions: Identify students for the social norms program and peer-to-peer outreach in middle and high schools in the beginning of the school year. Have LivePositive863 students take a leadership role and reach out to the student population as a whole. Collaborate with school website managers to have information published on school websites. Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida 22

24 Reduce Youth Substance Abuse Objective 2: Achieve a 5% reduction from 76.9% of students (ages 15-17) who, if they drank, drank at their home or a friend s home, by September 29, 2017 as shown by comparison of 2014 to 2016 FYSAS results. Strategy 1: Reduce availability of alcohol to underage youth by enacting a Social Host ordinance providing citations and fines to adult providers. Activities: Educate community about the detrimental effects of alcohol use on the developing teen brain by September 19, Responsible Parties: Coalition, Sheriff s Office, School District, and local weekly newspapers Work with County Commissioner to enact Social Host Ordinance for Homecoming September 30, 2016 & November 4, 2016; Prom April 22, 2017 & May 13, 2017; and Graduation May 26-27, Responsible Parties: Coalition staff, members, and partners Utilize social marketing campaign Parents Who Host, Lose the Most to encourage parents to monitor teens through September 29, Responsible Parties: Coalition staff and members Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida 23

25 Strategy 2: Create opportunities for students to report where underage drinking is occurring. Activities: Work with Hendry County School Resource Officers to use methods including social media for students to report their knowledge of locations where they believe alcohol will be available to youth by December 15, Responsible Parties: Coalition, Sheriff s Office School Resource Officers, and School District Inform youth about options available by December 15, Responsible Parties: Coalition, school resource officers, school district Review of Progress: Objective 2: In 2014, 42.6 percent of youth ages who had reported drinking alcohol within the past 30 days reported that their usual drinking location was at their own home. Of this same group, 34.3 percent reported that their usual drinking location was at another person s home. On the 2016 FYSAS, 33.8 percent of youth ages who had reported drinking alcohol within the past 30 days reported that their usual drinking location was at their own home. This is a decrease of 8.8 percent. In 2016, 40.5 percent of youth reported that their usual drinking location was at another person s home. This is a 6.2 percent increase. Strategy 1: Some signs for the program Parents Who Host Lose the Most have been placed around the community; however, the social media campaign intended to encourage parents to monitor teens was not completed. Approximately 77 percent of the adults interviewed recognized the logo for the program. When asked about their level of familiarity with the Parents Who Host Lose the Most Program on the online survey for parents and community members, 17 percent said that they had heard of the program. Thirty-two percent responded that they had seen the materials. Of those surveyed, 12 percent reported that they have participated in program meetings or events, and three percent had discussed the program with youth or teens. Finally, 42 percent responded that they had never heard of the program. On the same survey, when asked to rate the effectiveness of the program, 16 percent considered the program to be effective. Twenty-three percent chose Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida 24

26 somewhat effective, and nine percent chose not effective. No responders chose that the program had a negative effect, and 53 percent indicated that they did not know the effectiveness of the program. Creating a Social Host ordinance providing citations and fines to adult providers is in progress, but has not been a priority for this year. Strategy 2: Drug Free Hendry has tried to work with School Resource Officers to use methods including social media for students to report their knowledge of locations where they believe alcohol will available to youth. Some progress has been made on informing youth about options available for reporting this information. Successes: The percentage of youth ages who had consumed alcohol in their own homes within the past 30 days decreased by 8.8 percent. The Parents Who Host Lose the Most Program is gaining recognition within the community. Challenges: Creating a Social Host ordinance is outside of DFHC s direct control. Suggestions: Promote the program more through local newspapers I think communication should be increased through the schools and healthcare providers in particular. blasts for subscribers, text messaging, and posters will be effective to communicate the efforts of these programs. The social media presence can be increased to include collaboration with school websites. Post on school websites. Parents who host, lose the most campaign may be more marketable if it s integrated into community-wide events like rodeos or health fairs. More visible signs as a reminder to adults In addition, include more information on the posters and signs, so that people understand what the program is really about. Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida 25

27 Reduce Youth Substance Abuse Objective 3: Reduce availability of alcohol to underage youth by decreasing retail availability as shown by a 20% increase in retail outlets passing compliance checks by September 29, 2017 using data from the Hendry County Sheriff s Office and the Florida Department of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco. Strategy 1: Increase and publicize additional compliance checks Activities: Increase compliance checks with trained youth volunteers from annually to semiannually November 30, 2016 and May 31, Responsible Parties: Coalition staff, Sheriff s Office, Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (ABT), and youth Publicize results of compliance checks by November 30, 2016 and May 31, Responsible Parties: Coalition staff, members, and local media Youth will continue to recognize businesses that are compliant by November 30, 2016 and May 31, Responsible Parties: Coalition staff, youth members and local media Strategy 2: Increase alcohol scans and disseminate information Activities: Coalition members will conduct biannual (December 15, 2016 and June 30, 2017) environmental scans to determine saturation levels of displays and advertising Responsible Parties: Coalition members with staff guidance Findings will be presented to community leaders and organizations January 20, 2017 and July 21, Responsible Parties: Youth coalition members with staff guidance Youth will continue to recognize businesses that are compliant by November 30, 2016 and May 31, Responsible Parties: Coalition staff, youth members and local media Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida 26

28 Review of Progress: Objective 3: The results of this objective could not be measured due to lack of overtime pay available to compensate Sheriff s Deputies needed to complete the compliance checks. Strategy 1: Compliance checks could not be completed. Strategy 2: Alcohol scans were completed. Unclear if the number was increased from past scans. Successes: Completed alcohol scans help educate youth and the community. Drug Free Hendry County was recognized for the social norms campaign, Live Positive 863, by Mother's Against Drunk Driving (M.A.D.D.) at their first annual 5k, Walk Like M.A.D.D. Challenges: The Hendry County Sheriff s Department did not have overtime budgeted for deputies to take part in this endeavor. Suggestions Plan with the Hendry County Sheriff s Department to ensure that Sheriff s Deputies will be able to assist in this endeavor. Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida 27

29 Reduce Youth Substance Abuse Objective 4: Achieve a 0.4% decrease from 3.4% as shown by comparison of 2014 to 2016 FYSAS results in 30 day tobacco use among students ages by November 30, Strategy 1: Social norms programs and peer-to-peer outreach in middle and high schools Activities: Each month during the August 2016-May 2017 school year, at each middle and high school, provide year eight of social norms campaigns to shift youth perception surrounding the use of tobacco products from something everybody does to the true norm that most Hendry County teens do not use tobacco products. Responsible Parties: Trained adult coalition members and staff Students to provide peer-to-peer education All You Need to Know About Tobacco as permitted at school and summer events through September 30, Responsible Parties: Trained youth members Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida 28

30 Review of Progress: Objective 4: The 2016 FYSAS results showed that 4.4 percent of youth ages reported smoking cigarettes in the previous 30 days. This is one percent higher than the percentage reporting the same in In addition, 7.1 percent of youth ages reported using a vaporizer/e-cigarette in the 30 days prior to the survey. This was not measured in Strategy 1: Efforts were made to shift youth perception surrounding the use of tobacco products from something everybody does to the true norm that most Hendry County teens do not use tobacco; however, tobacco-specific peer-to-peer outreach was not completed. Successes Attendees at the tailgate events had a great time. School administrators were pleased with the events and would like to continue them. Challenges Vaporizers/E-cigarettes are new trends that many people have not been educated about. Suggestions Select youth for peer-to-peer outreach at the beginning of the school year. Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida 29

31 Reduce Youth Substance Abuse Objective 5: Reduce availability of tobacco products to underage youth by decreasing retail availability as shown by a 20% increase in retail outlets passing compliance checks by September 29, 2017 using data from the Hendry County Sheriff s Office and the Florida Department of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco. Strategy 1: Increase and publicize additional compliance checks Activities: Increase number of compliance checks with trained youth volunteers from annually to semiannually (November 30, 2016 and May 31, 3017) Responsible Parties: Coalition staff, Sheriff s Office, Alcohol Beverages and Tobacco (ABT), and youth and community volunteers Publicize results of compliance checks by December 15, 2016 and June 16, Responsible Parties: Coalition staff, members, and local media Strategy 2: Perform tobacco products scans and disseminate information. Activities: Coalition members will conduct semiannual (December 15, 2016 and June 16, 2017) environmental scans to determine saturation levels of tobacco products placement and advertising. Responsible Parties: Coalition members with staff guidance Youth will include electronic cigarettes in the scan. Responsible Parties: Coalition members with staff guidance Youth to present findings to community leaders and organizations March 2017 and August Responsible Parties: Youth coalition members with staff guidance Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida 30

32 Review of Progress: Objective 5: The results of this objective could not be measured due to lack of overtime pay available to compensate Sheriff s Deputies needed to complete the compliance checks. Strategy 1: Compliance checks could not be completed. Strategy 2: Scans were completed. Findings were presented. Successes Challenges: Coalition members were trained on December 16, 2016 and March 6, Behind the use of alcohol and marijuana, electronic vaping is the third most common drug-related activity among the youth of Hendry County. The Hendry County Sheriff s Department did not have overtime budgeted for deputies to take part in this endeavor. Suggestions Plan with the Hendry County Sheriff s Department to ensure that Sheriff s Deputies will be able to assist in this endeavor. Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida 31

33 Reduce Youth Substance Abuse Objective 6: Achieve a 0.7% decrease from 7.7% as shown by comparison of 2014 to 2016 FYSAS results in 30 day marijuana use among students ages by November 30, Strategy 1: Social norms programs and peer-to-peer outreach in middle and high schools Activities: Each month during the August 2016-May 2017 school year, at each middle and high school, provide year eight of social norms campaigns to shift youth perception surrounding marijuana use from something everybody does to the true norm that most Hendry County teens do not use marijuana. Responsible Parties: Trained adult coalition members and staff Students to provide peer-to-peer education All You Need to Know About Marijuana as permitted at school and summer events through September 29, Responsible Parties: Trained youth members Monitor and advocate against any ballot initiative or legislative actions allowing medical marijuana through the Florida legislative cycles in 2017, scheduled to end May 8, Responsible Parties: Hendry County Sheriff, trained adult and youth coalition members and staff Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida 32

34 Review of Progress: Objective 6: The 2016 FYSAS results showed that 11.5 percent of students had reported using marijuana in the 30 days prior to the survey. This is an increase of 3.8 percent from the 2014 value of 7.7 percent. Strategy 1: Some advocating against legalizing medical marijuana was done; however, Senate Bill 8-A legalizing medical marijuana passed. Successes Drug Free Hendry County was recognized for the social norms campaign, Live Positive 863, by Mother's Against Drunk Driving (M.A.D.D.) at their first annual 5k, Walk Like M.A.D.D. Challenges: According to the 2016 FYSAS, Marijuana is the second most commonly abused substance by the youth of Hendry County. According to the 2016 FYSAS, In the past 30 days, 23.9% of high school students have ridden in a car with a driver who was under the influence of alcohol, and 24.9% have ridden with a driver under the influence of marijuana. Senate Bill 8-A legalizing medical marijuana passed. Suggestions Educate the community about the risks associated with marijuana Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida 33

35 Reduce Youth Substance Abuse Objective 7: Increase the amount of unused drugs collected at Operation Medicine Cabinet and the Sheriff s Office Permanent Drop Box by 20% by June 30, Strategy 1: Promote and provide a medication take back program in Hendry County. Activities: Before Operation Medicine Cabinet drug take back date, April 22, 2017, work with local pharmacists to educate their staff and customers about the program. Responsible Parties: Staff Strengthen partnership with local pharmacists and doctors by providing information quarterly through October 15, Responsible Parties: Coalition Staff and board members Promote the location of the Hendry County Sherriff s Office medication drop box. Responsible Parties: Coalition staff and board members Review of Progress: Promote and operate Operation Medicine Cabinet drug take back program on April 22, 2017 and continuously promote the permanent drop box location Responsible Parties: Coalition staff and members, specifically the pharmacists and law enforcement Objective 7: Last year, 151 pounds of medicine were collected; this year 62 pounds of medicine were collected. Strategy 1: The medication take-back event was promoted and provided. DFHC issued a press release explaining the Deterra bags. DFHC has been working with Winn Dixie, Walgreens, and two K&M locations. Deterra bags have been made available. Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida 34

36 Successes Sixty-two pounds of medicines were collected during Operation Medicine Cabinet. Challenges Less medication was collected this year, which may or may not indicate that the event was less successful. Suggestions New models for evaluating the success of Operation Medicine Cabinet may need to be developed since the tremendous initial successes of Operation Medicine Cabinet events and promotion of the permanent drop box availability have likely resulted in less unwanted medication still present in people s homes. Thus, less medication being surrendered may actually be an indication that the program is working effectively. Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida 35

37 Additional Community Feedback Feedback has been included throughout this evaluation and in the suggestions section above. Here are some additional findings from the evaluation process. Student Survey Paper surveys were administered to 105 students total with 61 students in Clewiston and 44 students in LaBelle. The results from the two cities were very similar. When asked if they had heard of the program campaigns, students were the most familiar with Drug Free Hendry, Students Working Against Tobacco, and LivePositive863. Students were least familiar with the program Parents Who Host, Lose The Most. Students' Familiarity with Drug Free Hendry Campaigns 90% 80% 83% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 20% 58% 12% 48% 41% 61% 30% 13% 0% Parents Who Host Drug Free Hendry Tobacco Free Partnership LivePositive863 SWAT Heard of it Never heard of it Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida 36

38 Students were then asked to rate the effectiveness of each campaign using the following scale: Effective, Somewhat Effective, Ineffective, and I don t know. SWAT, Drug Free Hendry, and LivePositive863 were rated as effective by the highest numbers of students. A significant number of students selected I don t know when rating the Parents Who Host, Lose the Most campaign. Students' Ratings of Campaign Effectiveness 60% 55% 50% 43% 41% 40% 40% 36% 33% 30% 28% 25% 26% 26% 18% 20% 19% 20% 14% 12% 10% 7% 7% 6% 3% 1% 0% Parents Who Host Drug Free Hendry Tobacco Free Partnership LivePositive863 SWAT Effective Somewhat Effective Ineffective I don't know Next, students were asked about their participation in the programs. Five Clewiston students and three LaBelle students indicated that they are a member of Drug Free Hendry. Further, five Clewiston students and 10 LaBelle students indicated that they are a member of SWAT. Next, three Clewiston and three LaBelle students reported that they are members of LivePositive863. Finally, only one Clewiston student and two LaBelle students indicated participation in Tobacco Free Partnership. In addition, students were asked which programs they follow on social media. Of the students surveyed, seventeen reported following LivePositive863 giving it the highest online following. Next, thirteen students reported following Drug Free Hendry, and thirteen students reported following SWAT. Five students reported following Tobacco Free Partnership, and one student reported following Parents Who Host, Lose the Most. Finally, students were asked to share their thoughts on what the programs can do to better prevent substance abuse. Much of the feedback was very positive, indicating that many students feel these programs are already having a positive impact. A common suggestion for improvement was promoting the programs much more and holding more frequent events in schools. Another suggestion was emphasizing the negative Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida 37

39 consequences of using substances, especially through the use of real life stories and strong visual images. Some students recommended helping teens to stay busy, providing them with a place to hang out, and sponsoring trips and activities. Students also suggested providing access to social workers for students who need help. A few students suggested incentivizing the program meetings. Finally, a couple of students mentioned using social media to communicate and increase awareness. Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida 38

40 Educator Survey Hendry County educators were invited to participate in an online survey to provide feedback on Drug Free Hendry campaigns. Thirty-six educators completed the study. Educators were asked to rate their familiarity with the campaigns using the following responses: I ve never heard of it, I ve heard of it, I ve seen the materials, I ve used the materials, and I ve discussed with students. Educators were most familiar with Drug Free Hendry, Tobacco Free Partnership and SWAT. Educators were least familiar with Parents Who Host, Lose the Most and LivePositive863. Educators were most likely to have discussed the SWAT program with students. Educators Familiarity with Drug Free Hendry Campaigns Never Heard Of Heard Of Seen the Materials Used the Materials Discussed with Students Parents Who Host, Lose the Most 54% 17% 26% 3% 6% Drug Free Hendry 9% 54% 26% 14% 17% Tobacco Free Partnership 11% 46% 31% 17% 17% Live Positive % 18% 26% 6% 12% SWAT 11% 40% 31% 9% 29% Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida 39

41 Next, educators were asked to rate the effectiveness of the campaigns using the following scale: Negative effect, Not effective, Somewhat effective, Effective, and Don t know. One educator selected Negative Effect for the campaign Parents Who Host, Lost the Most. This response is not represented on the graph. Overall educators indicated that SWAT was the most effective along with Drug Free Hendry and Tobacco Free Partnership. Educators' Ratings of Campaign Effectiveness 60% 57% 57% 50% 49% 49% 51% 40% 34% 30% 20% 23% 14% 29% 20% 20% 26% 26% 23% 17% 10% 3% 9% 6% 3% 6% 0% Parents Who Host, Lose the Most* Drug Free Hendry Tobacco Free Partnership Live Positive 863 SWAT Not Effective Somewhat Effective Effective Don't Know * One educator selected Negative Effect for the campaign Parents Who Host, Lose the Most. This response is not represented in the graph. When asked what would make the campaigns more effective, educators suggested increased presence on school campuses and other places where youth frequently spend time. They also suggested increasing both awareness of the campaigns and parent and community involvement. In addition, educators were asked about their familiarity with the FYSAS. Half of the respondents had never heard of it. Another quarter had heard of it, but had never administered it. Five educators reported that they had administered it in the past, but not recently. Only four reported having administered the survey in the past year. Further, educators were asked to provide comments regarding reasons for why they had or had not administered the survey. Two reported that they had administered the FYSAS because it was required by the school district. One teacher stated, It was hard to include this with everything the school/state is asking for us to get done. Students are Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida 40

42 tired of surveys and tests, and I do not believe answer truthfully, they just want to be done or not do it at all. Furthermore, when asked if they felt the information gathered on the FYSAS was valuable, 12 educators responded yes, seven chose somewhat, and 17 responded don t know. Educators were then asked about anti-drug posters and other materials that they used in their classrooms. Of the educators that responded to the survey, 18 were teachers. Of these 18, half reported that they did not have any substance abuse prevention materials displayed in their classrooms. Seven teachers had Drug Free Hendry campaign posters or materials displayed in their classrooms, and two teachers were displaying other substance abuse prevention materials. The other 18 respondents did not have a classroom; thus, this question did not apply. Finally, educators were able to share comments regarding efforts to prevent substance abuse by the youth of Hendry County. Educators provided positive feedback and some suggestions as follows: Very proud of the information Continue to share this valuable information, and continue to involve local youth (LivePositive863 posters). Continue your good work. Just get it in front of students more Should school the parents too The students that most need the resources are not necessarily the ones who participate. We are not very effective at reaching the most vulnerable. Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida 41

43 Parents and Community Members Survey Parents and community members were also invited to participate in an online survey to provide feedback on Drug Free Hendry campaigns. The survey was completed by 77 parents and community members. When asked if they were directly responsible for youth, 42 respondents indicated that they are parents; 16 are grandparents; 1 is a guardian; 13 are not parents, but are concerned community members; 15 indicated that they were not responsible for youth; and eight selected other. Of those that are responsible for youth, 16 indicated that they were responsible for children aged zero to five, and 22 indicated that they were responsible for children aged six to 10. Twentythree respondents indicated that they were responsible for youth ages 11 to 14, and the same number of respondents indicated that they were responsible for youth ages 15 to 18. Finally, seven respondents indicated that they were responsible for young adults ages 19 to 21. The survey results demonstrated that drug, alcohol, and tobacco use among youth is a significant concern for parents and community members. Parent & Community Member Level of Concern About Youth Substance Abuse Not concerned 4% Slightly concerned 4% Extremely concerned 45% Fairly concerned 16% Concerned 31% Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida 42

44 Participants were asked to rate their familiarity with each of the Drug Free Hendry campaigns using the following scale: I ve never heard of it, I ve heard of it, I ve seen the materials, I ve discussed the campaign messages with youth or teens, and I ve participated in meetings or events. Parents and Community Members reported being most familiar with Tobacco Free Partnership, Drug Free Hendry, and SWAT. They were least familiar with LivePositive863 and Parents Who Host, Lose the Most. Parents and Community Members Familiarity with Drug Free Hendry Campaigns Never Heard Of Heard Of Seen the Materials Discussed with Youth Participated in Meetings/Events Parents Who Host, Lose the Most 42% 17% 32% 3% 12% Drug Free Hendry 12% 30% 27% 14% 36% Tobacco Free Partnership 8% 32% 34% 12% 34% LivePositive863 45% 20% 28% 11% 17% SWAT 12% 26% 30% 21% 35% Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida 43