Members of the Whitehall-Coplay Communities That Care group met July 17 over Zoom to discuss the results of the 2019 Pennsylvania Youth Survey data. Denise Continenza, CTC coordinator, noted this data will be used to focus on underlying factors to better address risk and protective factors.

CTC members split into groups and discussed the results of the latest PAYS data. They regrouped and shared some positive changes noted from the 2017 survey and some areas where more attention is needed.

Regarding alcohol and drug use, it was reported the Whitehall-Coplay numbers are below the state average, and students reported a decrease in cigarette usage. It was noted there is an upward trend in vaping of both nicotine and marijuana.

The group that covered social and emotional health reported there was a decrease in youth who reported being worried about food. According to the data, there was a also general decrease in transiency for students. This offers stability for students.

The group said there was a reported reduction in suicide attempts in 10th- and 12th-graders but an increase in sixth- and eighth-graders. Similarly, there was a decrease in suicidal ideation in eighth-, 10th- and 12th-graders, while sixth-grade students reported an increase in suicidal ideation.

In regard to anti-social behaviors, the group focused on gambling. The big question was - what are these students betting on?

The group assigned to analyze the systemic factors reported a low number of students said they feel they will be caught by police or face legal consequences of underage drinking.

There was also a downward trend of parental disapproval of marijuana reported among the students.

Regarding school climate and safety, it was noted students reported a decrease in bullying, including texting and social media. Of those who reported they were bullied, the majority of the results were emotional abuse and name-calling as opposed to physical bullying.

A higher number of students reported feeling safe in school, having the opportunity to do volunteer work and being part of the school conversation.

Students reported a decrease in the opportunity to meet and talk one on one with their teachers. Chad Stefanyak, a guidance counselor at Whitehall High School, noted students may have less opportunities to meet with their teachers during the school day.

Continenza shared specific data regarding the priorities the group identified following the 2017 PAYS data - perceived low risk of drug use, parental attitudes favorable toward anti-social behaviors, community opportunities for pro-social involvement and food insecurity.

The numbers did not change much regarding the perceived low risk of drug use. In 2017, 49 percent of students reported having a lower risk of drug usage as compared to the 50 percent in 2019.

There was a positive change regarding the parental attitudes favorable to anti-social behavioral. The number dropped to 48 percent in 2019 from 52 percent in 2017.

In 2017, 62 percent of students reported community opportunities for pro-social involvement. The number rose to 65 percent in 2019. Continenza noted she wants to do a focus group with students to find out what exactly they are looking for in regards to community recognition and involvement.

The largest change was regarding food insecurity. Sixteen percent of students reported problems with food insecurity in 2017. The number dropped to 12.8 percent in 2019. It was mentioned Whitehall-Coplay Hunger Initiative members and volunteers have been working hard to address food insecurity in the district.

The final data points Continenza addressed were students who reported using alcohol or marijuana within the past 30 days. In 2017, 13.6 percent of students reported having consumed alcohol within the last month. The number changed to 13 percent in 2019. The number of students who reported having used marijuana with the last month in 2017 was 19 percent. That number dropped to 16.1 percent in 2019.

At its next meeting, the CTC will work on strategies for the next year. Conversations will include how to adapt programs to fit the current restrictions and health and safety guidelines without losing the effectiveness of the programs.