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Coalition urges more supports for youth after SHARP survey shows rising depression and parental permissiveness
Summary
Sierra Marsh of Murray Partners for Prevention presented a community assessment using SHARP survey results: about one in three students report depression, many do not speak to an adult, and parental attitudes permissive of antisocial behavior are above state averages. The coalition seeks partnerships to increase youth engagement and recognition.
Sierra Marsh, coalition chair and a prevention specialist with Murray City School District, briefed council on the Murray Partners for Prevention (a Communities That Care coalition) community assessment compiled from the SHARP student survey and public data.
Marsh said roughly one in three Murray students report feeling depressed—higher than the state average—and a substantial portion of those students are not talking to an adult. The assessment also shows about one in six students report easy access to drugs and alcohol, and that more than half of underage drinking reported by students occurs at home with parental permission. Marsh described parental attitudes favorable toward antisocial behavior as a rising risk factor the coalition plans to target with education and partnership work.
The coalition also identified a priority protective factor: nearly half of SHARP participants reported receiving recognition for positive community involvement, but Murray trails state averages and is trending downward. Marsh urged the council to consider ways to increase youth opportunities and public recognition that can strengthen belonging and reduce risky behaviors.
Marsh outlined coalition structure, noted strong youth involvement and volunteer leadership, and invited council members to coalition meetings and the coalition website (murrayp4p.com). She said the coalition is in phase three of the CTC process and has prioritized mental health, substance use, and parental involvement as initial areas for action.
Attribution: statements summarized above are from Sierra Marsh’s presentation to the council and the community assessment she provided as the basis for the briefing.
