June 2018
June 2018

The Youth Assessment Survey 2018
In May, results from the 2018 Youth Assessment Survey (YAS) were released. This locally porduced assessment has been asking important questions to our 8th, 10th and 12th graders since 2005. In fall 2017, nearly 4400 area students answered questions about school, physical and mental health, substance use and relationships. Their responses are important, insightful and hopefully will shape the way we bring needed services to them in the next 2 years. Take some time and look at the complete report here
Ottawa County Youth and Marijuana
In the 2017 Youth Assessment Survey, 21.3% of youth in our county indicated that they have used marijuana at least once. Additionally, 45% of high school students here in Ottawa County said that there is little or no risk in regular marijuana use. This perception that marijuana is NOT harmful is held by many American youth, and is part of the reason that marijuana use among our youth is drastically increasing. Respond to their inaccurate views by arming yourself with the FACTS on youth marijuana use: it does affect learning, memory, judgement and coordination. It can affect your heart rate, and cause lung problems. Read more here so you can have the facts when they present the myths.


Parents: you are still the BEST Anti-Drug
Recently, we asked youth around West Michigan what they need from us--the adults and parents in their lives. They told us they need more time, more words, more facts. One of the most effective ways to prevent substance use is to create and preserve relationships with our youth. Talk to them. Be with them. Don't shy away from the tough topics -be honest and open with them. Arm yourself with as many facts as you can.
Need help with this?? That's what the TalkSooner website and app was created for--to help parents address those tough times and issues we all face as parents. Download the app at the App or Google Play store or visit the website to learn more.


Avoid Summer Boredom....
and you might avoid summertime drug experimentation. Research has shown that first time use of substances tends to increase during the summer months. Try to combat the oh-so-familiar cries of "I'm bored" by encouraging things like outdoor activities and exercise, volunteer work, cooking, learning a new language--really ANYTHING that your kids/youth are interested in. Find more tip s here.


Ottawa Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition
Contact Leigh Moerdyke at lmoerdyke@arborcircle.org

http://www.arborcircle.org/community-youth-development http://www.arborcircle.org/community-youth-development


Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/OSAPCoalition
Talk Early. Talk Often. Learn How.  www.talksooner.org