News & Updates

  • 2023 Healthy Youth Survey results: Celebrating successes, preparing for the work ahead of us

    05/06/2024

    Every two years, people across Washington eagerly await the results of the latest Healthy Youth Survey. For those of us working in prevention and public health, we often find ourselves holding our breath until we know if certain data points went up or down in the direction we hope. Some years, we find ourselves wondering whether we should celebrate or weep. This was one of those years. The 2023

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  • 2023 Healthy Youth Survey results: Celebrating successes, preparing for the work ahead of us

    05/06/2024

    Every two years, people across Washington eagerly await the results of the latest Healthy Youth Survey. For those of us working in prevention and public health, we often find ourselves holding our breath until we know if certain data points went up or down in the direction we hope. Some years, we find ourselves wondering whether we should celebrate or weep. This was one of those years. The 2023

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  • April is Alcohol Awareness Month

    04/15/2024

    In honor of National Alcohol Awareness Month, the Washington Healthy Youth Coalition is sharing results from the 2023 Healthy Youth Survey (HYS) to help parents and caregivers understand the important role they play in preventing underage drinking. According to the 2023 HYS, 9 percent of 10th graders in Washington reported current alcohol use, defined as drinking within the past 30 days. Over

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  • 2023 Healthy Youth Survey data tells the story of Washington youth

    03/13/2024

    The 2023 Healthy Youth Survey (HYS) data was just released! Every other year, middle and high school students at participating schools across Washington State voluntarily answer survey questions about their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors on a variety of health and safety topics. This includes school and community safety, anxiety and depression, substance use, food security, housing, and

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  • Score big with everyone: Hosting tips for a super bowl party with inclusive "cheers"

    02/09/2024

    As football fans and Swifties across the country are preparing for this year's super bowl, it's important to remember that some people may choose to cheer their team to victory without consuming alcohol or using cannabis. Regardless of why someone chooses to pass, their decision should be honored and respected. Here are some tips to ensure the gatherings you're attending or hosting are

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  • New resource to empower teens to choose not to drink

    01/12/2024

    The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) launched a new website, Facts About Teen Drinking. This resource was designed for teens and provides information about health impacts associated with alcohol, how to identify signs of an alcohol-related problem, and where to get help. Visit the website to learn more and consider sharing it with the teens in your life!

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  • Explicando la diferencia entre marijuana y cannabis

    09/20/2023

    Los términos “marihuana” y “cannabis” se usan indistintamente y con frecuencia; desde menciones en la cultura pop y los titulares de las noticias locales, hasta en las tiendas locales y el internet, pero estos términos técnicamente se refieren a diferentes cosas. En Start Talking Now (Inicie La Conversación) podemos ayudarlo a entender las diferencias y ser una fuente confiable para ayudarlo a

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  • Understanding marijuana vs. cannabis

    08/29/2023

    Lea esta página en español. From pop culture and news headlines to local shops and the internet, “marijuana” and “cannabis” are often used interchangeably—but these terms technically refer to different things. Start Talking Now can help you understand the difference and be a reliable source to guide discussions with your teen about the risks of using these substances. What’s the difference

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  • Teen driving information

    01/31/2023

    The National Highway Safety Traffic Safety Administration's (NHSTA) Teen Driving site contains information on states' driver licensing requirements for teens as well as ideas and resources to help you—the parents—lay down the ground rules with your aspiring driver before you hand over the car keys. Here you will find in-depth information on some of the most common safety problems novice teen

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  • Talking to your kids about impaired driving

    12/30/2022

    Get Smart About Drugs has the resources you need to apply the brakes on this epidemic. Get fast facts on impaired driving, learn how to talk with your kids about the issue, and discover an app that helps you better understand your kids' health, wellness, and well-being.

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