Lonnie Howell, Nederland. Wednesday, March 2nd, 2016, TEENS, Inc. hosted a “Data Walk” event at Nederland Community Center as part of a grant from the Colorado Office of Behavior Health. The event was facilitated by Mandy McCullen from OMNI Institute. Participants gathered to examine statistics from Healthy Kids Colorado surveys which were displayed at different stations around the room. The data stations, which posted HKCO data points on health-based attitudes and behaviors from Nederland High School and Chinook West students (grades 9-12),  allowed for observation of student survey results and comparisons to statewide data. Attendees where given the opportunity to comment at each data station before breaking into small process groups and finally gathering as a collective. The activity generated conversations about what was surprising (or not) about our mountain youth responses, what was learned, and how to address high priority prevention issues moving forward.

A “Data Walk” uses data sharing as a platform for community engagement and collaboration. A Data Walk shares key data and findings with community residents to ensure a more in-depth analysis of the data and helps address both needs and strengths of particular populations or communities. It also helps to inspire action, both individual and cooperative, through identifying high priorities and potential goals.

Participants agreed that indicators about depression and hopelessness, and tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use seemed high compared the rest of the state, while participation in extra-curricular activities and student and adult perception about the harm of early substance use seemed low. The small group and collective conversations focused on further assessments and data collection, youth and adult education and workshops, concern over other dangerous substances (prescription drugs, heroin), impacts of social media on youth, and characteristics of our unique peak-to-peak region.

Attendees voiced that they would like to see more data comparisons with other rural areas, national statistics, parents’ generation data and previous years, and correlations between lack of after-school participation and drug/alcohol use, as well as rates of youth substance use if their parents also use. It was also agreed that more information was needed about parents, through organized surveys/assessments, in conjunction with perceptions from youth about what “they think parents and neighbors would think” about ATOD (alcohol, tobacco, and other drug) use. Next, participants suggested the need for increased prevention-related education for both adults and youth, from parenting workshops to youth education about the negative effects of substances on the developing brain and body. It was also suggested that the effects of social media on youth mental wellness be examined and addressed; how social media bullying links to depression, hopelessness, and suicide, and how modern youth are actively crafting “cyber personalities” while simultaneously experiencing the normal trials and tribulations of the teen social experience.

Finally, our local characteristics were discussed. It was agreed that we should be recognized by Boulder County as a rural area with rural needs and that we could use more support from county resources. Isolation, boredom, and lack of transportation, jobs, activities, programming, and social services were mentioned. Resident and outsider perceptions of Nederland and its town culture were brought up as well.

It was an informative and thought-provoking evening, and all voices and opinions were valued and recorded. This data and community feedback will be used to set goals, priorities, and short & long term action planning once the Prevention Coalition is reformed. TEENS, Inc. would like to thank all participants, the N.C.C. for the venue, and The Deli for providing a delicious dinner.

If you are interested in volunteering to assist the coalition or have any questions about future Prevention Coalition initiatives and events, please contact Lonnie Howell: lonnie@teensinc.org.