Data Coordinator Ariane Aten prepares survey packets for each participating Buffalo County school.
Community Partners has a lot going on in Buffalo County schools this month. We’re evaluating our progress towards the 2020 Vision and looking for new issues to tackle by conducting the SHARP surveys. We’re elevating issues and engaging youth in substance abuse prevention for Red Ribbon Week and in healthy living and active transportation for International Walk to School Day. We work closely with schools to ensure we’re aware of emerging issues and to provide schools with resources for building a healthier Buffalo County.
Nebraska SHARP Surveys
Community Partners is one of the only organizations in the state that partners with the Nebraska Department of Education and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services to administer Student Health and Risk Prevention (SHARP) surveys.
The surveys cover topics such as nutrition and physical activity; injuries; mental health; tobacco, alcohol, and other drug use; sexual activity; and seat belt use. They will be administered to area schools throughout the first two weeks of October, and the results will be available on our assessments page at bcchp.org/assessments. This survey data will help us plan for the next phase of the 2020 Vision as we retire past goals and look towards new issues to tackle.
Positive Pressure Hosting Assemblies for Red Ribbon Week
In 1988, the National Family Partnership sponsored the first National Red Ribbon Celebration. Today, the Red Ribbon serves as a catalyst to mobilize communities to educate youth and encourage participation in drug prevention activities. Since that time, the campaign has reached millions of U.S. children and families.
For the 2014 Red Ribbon Week, Positive Pressure, along with members of Elks Lodge #984 and athletes from UNK, is visiting several area schools to speak about staying drug-free and share resources with students and teachers.
Safe Routes to School Promoting Walk to School Day
Walk to School Day is all about promoting active transportation, such as walking or biking. Activate Buffalo County will be working with Northeast, Kenwood, Park, and Windy Hills Elementary schools to host Walk to School Day events before and after school on October 8. The events will include class competitions, prizes, and other fun stuff for participants.
In May, during Bike to School Day, the coalition saw an amazing 80% participation rate at one of the schools, and is hoping to see some big numbers again this month. The one-day event is just a small piece of the work Activate Buffalo County is doing to promote Safe Routes to School.