Columbia/Boone County adolescent health needs assessment

In Fall 2010, the Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services, with assistance from Columbia Public Schools (CPS) and in collaboration with the University of Missouri’s Master of Public Health Program, analyzed various local, state and national youth survey data. Additional data was collected via focus groups and adolescent health provider surveys. The goal oft he assessment was to determine current health behaviors of adolescents in Columbia/Boone County and share those findings with the community.

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Future Directions

• Continued and more focused collaboration between community agencies and schools to bridge gaps in mental health/stress management for youth
• Look at summary of best practices from other states and communities related to adolescent health issues.
• Work with youth on promotion and education of available adolescent resources and services.
• Partner with others working to address identified issues such as school food choices, physical activity and leisure time activities.

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Source: Columbia – Missouri Safe and Drug Free Schools 2010 Survey; National – 2009 Youth Risk Behavioral Study