Substance Use Prevention Coalition Reviews Logan County Youth Survey Data

[June 14, 2025]  The Substance Use Prevention Coalition met virtually on June 12 to discuss upcoming training for new members. Grace Irvin, Prevention Specialist with Chestnut Health Systems, led the meeting.

The meeting began with viewing the recently developed Logan County Substance Use Prevention Logic Priority Models. The SUP Logic Priority Models use a chart form to include Contributing Factors, Inputs, Strategies, Activities, and Outcomes (short term, intermediate, and long term goals). The data in the Models is based on the most recent Illinois Youth Survey which was administered in 2024. Priority Model 1 is for marijuana use, Priority Model 2 is for alcohol use, and Priority Model 3 is for tobacco use, which is higher in Logan County than other areas of the state. Long Term Goals for each substance are to sustain decreased use in Logan County.

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The question came up of the influence of environment, specifically if youth in rural areas were turning to substances due to boredom or lack of activities. Irvin looked up the same statistics from the Illinois Youth Survey for the city of Chicago to compare an urban environment to a rural environment like Logan County. Chicago statistics were higher for youth alcohol and marijuana use, but rural areas including Logan County, were higher for vaping. Discussion ensued about instances of parents providing permission and access to substances.

The initial goal of the meeting was to prepare for training new members to the Substance Use Prevention Coalition in July, but due to low turnout the discussion was postponed until the July meeting, which will be held on July 10 at Lincoln Memorial Hospital in the Steinfort Conference Rooms.

[Stephanie Hall]

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