By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
Members of the Barton County Youth Crew, staff from the 20th Judicial District Juvenile Services and Rise Up Central Kansas all helped read the “National Prevention Week” proclamation Tuesday that was approved by the Barton County Commission.
Tyler Morton, prevention advocate, said 4.02% of youth in Kansas report having a substance abuse problem. The national average is 4.08%.
"According to the survey, 17.3% of adults in Barton County reported that they binge drink," said Morton. "15.4% of residents surveyed reported that they are in frequent mental distress. 17% reported they are in fair or poor health. Talking about the effects of substance use on mental health."
Morton said he has seen the state averages improve for youth consumption of alcohol, vaping, marijuana and prescription drug use, but there is a need to collect more data.
"Right now our data is okay," said Morton. "It could be better. That's always how we find out more about what is happening around us directly from those being affected. That is something we're needing to improve on...more participation in health awareness surveys."
Morton said more support is always needed conducting surveys with the youth to find out what is affecting them and how to respond.