County public health presents youth prevention assessment; officials call for early, multi‑level strategies

Astoria — County public-health staff on Thursday summarized a yearlong youth prevention needs assessment and urged the school district and community partners to prioritize early, multi‑level prevention strategies.

Lisa Skyler, a county public-health presenter, told the Astoria School Board that the assessment combined 16 community‑leader interviews, four youth focus groups (including English and Spanish speakers), three adult focus groups, a staff survey with 170 responses and state student‑health data. “Most youth are making healthy choices,” Skyler said, but the team found rising awareness of vaping risks and reduced stigma around mental health that makes conversations about prevention more possible.

The assessment identified five themes: communication and education; mental‑health struggles and poor coping skills; peer pressure and social environment; youth activities and community resources; and easy access and systemic problems. In a written activity conducted during focus groups, about 54 students across districts listed social media as their top source of information (about 30 percent), followed by school and health class, Skyler said, suggesting schools and families must be central trusted sources.

Skyler described planned next steps: a communitywide strategic prevention planning meeting set for the 21st of the month at the library that will bring youth‑serving organizations, school representatives and health partners together to set priorities and choose evidence‑based strategies. “We want all of it,” she said, describing a combination of prevention education, positive alternatives, environment change and referrals to services.

Board members and attendees pressed presenters on which themes are most influenceable. Several parents and staff recommended peer leadership and activities to reduce isolation; one parent said strengthening coping skills and mental‑health supports should be a top priority. Skyler and attendees also discussed alternatives to suspension and ways to ensure students can access services without fear of punishment.

The presenters also described tobacco and retail enforcement efforts: the county has a tobacco retail license program and recently opted into the state framework, which increases fines and license fees. Skyler said recent compliance checks found roughly 13 percent of stores sold to investigators, and that increased penalties and the ability to suspend licenses are intended to reduce youth access.

On resources, Skyler named a local tobacco cessation specialist who can accept school referrals for tobacco cessation and education services; the specialist’s capacity depends on funding and coordination with school districts. Skyler encouraged parents and school staff to use consistent messaging and to participate in the strategic planning process so that any interventions are equitable and sustainable.

The board did not take formal action on the assessment at the meeting; staff said the plan kickoff and follow‑up will proceed with district and community partners.

Next steps: the strategic prevention planning meeting on the 21st and continued coordination between county public health and school districts to develop evidence‑based, equity‑focused prevention strategies.