Since 1990, Lucas County area schools have participated in a survey for students in grades 5 through 12 to collect basic health data, primarily concerning the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs by young people. The survey also seeks to identify youth attitudes about such use, and explores how access to these products occurs. Information received through this survey has been very valuable in helping community organizations, coalitions and schools develop needed research-based prevention and intervention services to respond effectively to current community needs.

Please know this survey has and always will be anonymous. No personal identification information is requested nor can any response be linked to any individual student. The purpose of the survey is to determine overall patterns of behavior and attitudes about alcohol, tobacco, prescription and other drugs by youth of various ages - not to identify what any one individual is or is not doing.

While students have always had the option of choosing not to participate in the survey, the No Child Left Behind legislation now requires parents or guardians be advised when surveys such as this will be conducted in their children's schools. The purpose of this communication is to inform parents the 2008 Youth Survey is scheduled to be implemented in December of this year. We hope parents will permit their sons and/or daughters to participate along with the tens of thousands of others who have done so in the past. A copy of the survey questions is available below and it is available at your child's school or you can access the results from 2006 via the website of the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board (MHRSB) of Lucas County (sponsors of the survey): http://www.co.lucas.oh.us/MHRSB/StudentSurvey2006.pdf

It is important to reiterate these results are not used to identify the individuals who participate in the survey nor the schools that agree to distribute them. Deacon Dzierzawski, Chief Executive Officer of The Community Partnership said this survey seeks to gain input on a community problem.

"Results from this survey in years past have played a critical role in molding prevention programming to meet the specific needs of the youth in Lucas County," Dzierzawksi said. "Working to create a healthier environment for our youth is an issue involving all sectors of the community, well beyond the realm of schools; this survey gives us a tool to work with toward that goal."

CLICK HERE FOR THE PARENTS LETTER

2008 SURVEY QUESTIONS:

5TH/6TH GRADE SURVEY - CLICK HERE

7TH-12TH GRADE SURVEY - CLICK HERE