Mat-Su Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition

Data Project

A United Way of Mat-Su Initiative

Mission Statement

The mission of the Mat-Su Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition is to reduce substance abuse among youth and, over time, among adults by addressing the factors in a community that increase the risk of substance abuse and promoting the factors that minimize the risk of substance abuse.

Retroactive Data

The initial phase of the project began with gaining an overall perspective on what data was readily available for the Mat-Su Borough.  Researchers attempted to gather information on rates of substance abuse, types of substances involved, and incidence of behaviors specific to substance abuse (i.e. DUI arrests).  The results of these findings were reported to the United Way and can be obtained by contacting the United Way of Mat-Su.

Alaska Healthy Kids Survey

A substantial effort was put into selecting an appropriate measure for the youth survey.  The California Healthy Kids survey was chosen as a model instrument because it contained a comprehensive set of questions on alcohol and drug use, and measured risk behaviors as well as positive assets such as school connectedness.  Permission was granted for the survey to be adapted for the local area.  The Alaskan Healthy Kids Survey was designed with the same original content as the California version with changes made to the demographic questions. The survey was submitted to coalition members and other interest groups such as Alaska Native Representatives, a select group of youth, and the Mat-Su Borough School District. The survey was approved and given to 7th, 9th, and 11th graders.  The target sample included students within the Mat-Su Borough.  Students were recruited from the Mat-Su Borough School District, as well as non-District schools such as private schools, including schools affiliated with religious teachings, and home-based programs.  The Alaska Healthy Kids survey was administered in the Mat-Su School District the week of November 9th.  Alternative places for the survey completed administration by the end of November.  Results were evaluated and put into a useable and readable form and given to the United Way.  To see those results and learn more about the Mat-Su Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition please contact the United Way of Mat-Su.

 

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CoDI Staff who worked on and completed the Data Project include:
Randy Moss Ph.D., Executive Director
Michelle Grimes MS, Project Coordinator
Kristine Campbell, Research Assistant/Web Master
Deborah Shade, V.P. of Operations