What's the Deal with Data? First Annual Community Survey!
Working in substance use prevention is kind of like being a doctor (not really, but it's a good analogy--so bare with me!) Doctor's usually assess what is happening with a patient to determine what course of action they're going to take. If someone goes in with a sprained ankle, chances are the doctor isn't going to provide an antibiotic for strep throat, right? The doctor knows what the patient needs based on the information, or data, he or she has collected.
Prevention work is similar. Before we can decide on a course of action--in our case, providing programs or messaging to prevent youth substance misuse--we need to know what's happening in the community. We do this through a step called, "assessment." We look at school disciplinary data (no names, don't worry!), conduct focus groups and one-on-one interviews, review police data (again, no names!), implement the Youth Risk Behavior Survey and Parent Surveys. All of this data tells us what's happening so we can determine the best plan of action.
For the first time this year, Impact Norwood is also conducting a Community Survey. This survey will help us get a better sense of what the attitudes and beliefs are around substance use in Norwood. The survey is completely anonymous and the information we collect will be used to help us structure and implement targeted prevention initiatives to enhance the health and safety of Norwood youth. Once the information has been compiled and analyzed, it will be available to view on our website.
If you want to participate in this important step to help us create a healthier Norwood, please click here! It should only take about 5 minutes to complete, and again, your answers are completely anonymous!