FY 11 PRC Regional Needs Assessment

Text Box: HHSC PRC Region # __5____

Please complete and submit this PRC Needs Assessment electronically to the following E-mail: substance.abuse.contracts@dshs.state.tx.us and mail a signed paper copy to: Department of State Health Services, Contract Management Unit-Substance Abuse, Mail Code (2058), P.O. Box 149347, Austin, Texas, 78714-9347. The due date is December 30, 2010. Please include attachments as needed. Please keep a signed copy in your PRC files.

OVERVIEW

Step 1 of the Strategic Prevention Framework involves a needs assessment of community needs, resources and readiness. The needs assessment, in turn, involves data collection, data management, analysis and the specification of risk and protective factors and target populations or geographic areas based on needs assessment data. Implementation of Step 1 implementation is important, because it directs your community to guide planning and activity.

The purpose of the Regional Needs Assessment is to determine the incidence and prevalence of ATOD use, misuse, and abuse and related problems within the targeted community in your PRC region.

Note: please use your contract service requirements to guide you in developing this PRC Regional Needs Assessment.

INSTUCTIONS for completing this form: DOUBLE CLICK on check box of choice and mark checked in the default value and click OK to mark the chosen box. CLICK in text boxes located below each question and begin typing your response, the text box will expand as you type your response.

SECTION I. Contact Information

Organization Name:

Region 5 Prevention Resource Center

FY09 Program Attachment #

003

Executive Director

Name: Phyllis Grandgeorge

E-mail:adacphyllis@consolidated.net

Phone #: 936-634-5753

Program Director

Name:

E-mail:

Phone #:

PRC Coordinator:

Name: Melissa Mallory

E-mail: nsdf@suddenlinkmail.com

Phone#: 936-564-2446

936-569-7678

PRC Tobacco Education Specialist:

Name: Linda Smith

E-mail: lsmithtobacco@consolidated.net

Phone #: 936-634-5837 ext:225

Community Outreach Coordinator (if applicable):

Name:

E-mail:

Phone #:

SECTION II - Geographic, Demographic, Cultural Characteristics, and Population

Provide an overview of the target areas listed above.

1. Provide a geographic and demographic description about the target area:

A. List counties in your region to be served:

10-14 years old: How many? 99,263 60 – 64 years old: How many? 85,363

15 – 19 years old: How many? 111,676 65 – 74 years old: How many? 126,475

20 – 24 years old: How many? 116,923 75 – 84 How many? 76,881

25 – 34 years old: How many? 201,752 ≥ 85 years old: How many? 27,826

Comments: Informational data 2009-2010 was derived from website http://soupfin.tdh.state.tx.us.cgi-bin/pop85a and www.dshs.state.tx.us/chs/healthcurents/summ.asp?fips1=3&fips2=260&fips3=255

3. Describe Cultural Characteristics: Place an X on ALL that apply and indicate the (%) of each.

A. Race

Black or African American 20%

White 90%

Asian 2%

Hispanic/Latino 12%

American Indian or Alaska Native 1%

Native Hawaiian or Other

Pacific Islander 0.07%

More than one race 2%

Race unknown

B. Ethnicity

Hispanic or Latino 12%

Not Hispanic or Latino 87%

C. Geographic

Rural

Urban

TX-Mexico Border

D. Socio-Economic Status (SES)

Level of Education:

38% High School Graduates

8% Bachelor’s Degree

5% Master’s Degree

Income Level:

Median household income $44,793

Per capita money income $19,173

E. Religious Affiliation

List:

Evangelical Protestant 38%

Mainline Protestant 04.66%

Orthodox Christians 00.01%

Catholic 14%

Other: 01%

Buddhism

Muslim

Unclaimed: 39%

Comments: http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/research/pdfs/dropcomp_county_supp_2007-08.pdf;

http://www.epodunk.com;http:factfinder.census.gov; http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/ADPTable; http://www.therda.com/mapReports/reports/counties

Evangelical and Mainline Protestant being our largest religious group and Catholic is our second largest for Region 5

SECTION III – Prevention Resources Capacity and Gaps

1. Resources:

What type of prevention resources currently exist in your target community?

In our region, we have community coalitions, in school prevention programs for elementary and secondary students, health fairs, community events, educational presentations/programs, prevention trainings, and other prevention services provided by the Region 5 PRC.

2. Please describe how you can engage the following entities in assisting the PRC:

a. DSHS funded Coalitions (includes CCPs, SPFs)

We have two DSHS funded coalitions in Region 5: The Coalition and the Regional Alcohol & Drug Abuse Advisory Coalition (RADAAC). We can engage these coalitions by continuing to join in their efforts and by partnering with them. We promote the PRC and the services we provide at their meetings and assist in planning various events that are coalition sponsored. By actively participating in these coalitions, we provide our expertise in various substance abuse issues as well as provide education and material to both coalition members and the general public. Coalition members often refer others who are not part of the coalition to our PRC for services.

b. Drug-Free Community Coalitions, etc.

In the Region 5 area, there is one DFC Coalition: Nacogdoches Safe & Drug-Free (NSDF). NSDF helps the PRC by allowing PRC staff to educate coalition members on different topics relevant to Nacogdoches County. Since both NSDF and the PRC are based out of Nacogdoches, we work closely together on various events (both school and community). Since this coalition is in their last year of funding, NSDF will look to relying on more services that the PRC can provide to assist in their coalition's sustainability.

c. School Programs

Various school programs utilize the PRC and its services. They allow us to provide educational presentations and distribute material on their campuses. With schools, we provide services to both students and faculty and staff. We often get volunteers from local schools/universities to help stamp material and to assist in distributing information during health fairs and community events.

d. Community services (YMCA, Goodwill, etc.)

The various community services that are throughout Region 5 assist us in distributing substance abuse/mental health information. Many of these agencies/organizations allow us the space for a display rack which houses information that is available to their patrons. Many of them also notify us of opportunities where we can participate and take part in.

e. Parent programs (PTA, etc.)

Parent programs can assist the Region 5 PRC by supporting our various services. Two of the services that we could provide this target population are educational presentations during their meetings and provide them with up to date educational, information on issues such as substance abuse, parenting, etc.

f. Direct Prevention Service Providers

These providers assist us in planning regional trainings by letting us know what trainings are needed in this area. They also help our PRC by distributing literature, involving us in school/community events, and referring others they may be in contact with to us for services.

g. Treatment Providers

Treatment providers assist the Region 5 PRC by referring individuals (youth and/or adults) and their family to us. Our PRC provides them with information on substance abuse.

h. OSAR providers

OSAR providers assist our PRC by also referring their clients and their family members to us for information on substance abuse topics.

i. Mental Health Centers

Mental health centers assist us by contacting us for their mental health informational needs. They distribute this information to both their staff and clients. One local center, Burke Center, utilizes our staff's expertise by inviting us each year to be a part of the planning committee for their annual mental health conference.

3. Who do you serve in your Region? Place an X on all that apply.

Other, List_____________

Others served include law enforcement, healthcare providers, local mental health authorities, a Drug-Free Community Coalition, colleges/universities, juvenile/adult probation departments, libraries and interagency coalitions throughout our 15 counties.

4. Gaps:

a. What prevention gaps exist in your target population?

Some of our prevention gaps include services in our smaller, rural counties, in school prevention programs to those in 7th and 8th grades, building and maintaining relationships with the various sectors of the communities, more involvement with the faith based community and minimizing resistance from some schools in our region.

SECTION IV - Consequences and Consumption Patterns of the Community

Please identify the patterns in each of the following data sources, when available. If the data source is unavailable in the community, provide an explanation. Please feel free to also utilize alternative data sources.

a. DWI Rates

There were 958 DWI arrests in 2009 in Region 5. http://www.txdot.gov/drivers_vehicles/crash_records/correspondence.htm

b. Alcohol related vehicular fatalities.

According to Texas Department of Transportation, alcohol related vehicular fatalities for Region 5 decreased from to 39 in 2008 to 35 in 2009. http://www.txdot.gov/drivers_vehicles/crash_records/correspondence.htm

c. Violent crimes per year

According to the 2007 County Crime Statistics for Texas, our fifteen county area reported a total of 3,433 violent crimes. http://www.criminal.com/statistics/texas/

d. Possession of illicit drugs (arrests)

Rand Texas Drug Arrest contains the number of alcohol and drug-related arrests for Texas and Texas counties. The source is raw data from Texas Department of Public Safety and Analysis by Texas Department of State Health Services. However, to access this information we must be registered users and pay for the subscription. http://tx.rand.org/stats/community/drugarrests.html

e. Public intoxications (arrests)

Rand Texas Drug Arrest contains the number of alcohol and drug-related arrests for Texas and Texas counties. The source is raw data from Texas Dept. of Public Safety and Analysis by Texas Dept. of State Health Services. However, to access this information we must be registered users and pay for the subscription. http://tx.rand.org/stats/community/drugarrests.html

f. Suicide rates

According to the 2007 Selected Health Facts, there were 102 suicides reported for our 15 county area. www.dsh.state.tx.us

g. Homicide rates

According to the 2007 County Crime Statistics for Texas, Region 5 fifteen counties had a total of 52 homicides. http://www.criminal.com/statistics/texas/

h. Hospital discharges for youth alcohol poisoning.

Hospitals in this area either do not maintain records of this information or it is not made available to the public. This may be due to privacy laws.

i. Hospital discharges for youth

Hospitals in this area either do not maintain records of this information or it is not made available to the public. This may be due to privacy laws.

j. Underage binge drinking rates

According to the 2008 Texas School Survey, data showed that 20.6% of 7^th-12^th graders were binge drinkers. This is a decrease from 21.9% in 2006. Almost 1 in 20 of these students were frequent binge drinkers (binged 6 or more days in the past month). www.dshs.state.tx.us

k. College age binge drinking

According to the 2009 Report Card from Texans Standing Tall, the use of alcohol has increased among girls. This increase began in 2002. In 2008 the rate for girls was 64.1% and was 61.7% for boys. http://www.texansstandingtall.org/PDFs/2009ReportCard.pdf

l. Current 30 day drinking rates

The current 30 day drinking rates for the state decreased in 2008 to 30.4%. This is a decrease from 31.5% in 2006. More than 1 in 5 8^th graders had a drink in the past month and nearly half of 12^thgraders were current drinkers. www.dshs.state.tx.us

m. Current 30 day illicit drug use rates

Marijuana remains the most commonly used illegal drug among 7^th -12^thgraders. About 25% reported having smoked marijuana in their lives, a decrease from 2006. Other drugs reported being used in their life time include cocaine/crack, ecstasy, hallucinogens, methamphetamine, rohypnol, steroids and heroin. 5.2% of these students were considered heavy drug users which use on a daily or weekly basis. www.dshs.state.tx.us

n. Perceptions of harmfulness of use (alcohol and other substances)

According to 6^th-12^thgrade Nacogdoches County students, they are aware of the harmfulness of using ATOD. They ranked the following in harmfulness: alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana and inhalants. Inhalants was the most harmful.

o. Future intentions to use

According to the Monitoring the Future Survey of 2010, 8^th, 10^th, and 12^th graders see a slight decrease or increase in the availability of drugs. We hope to see a decrease in the use of those drugs that are less available/accessible to youth. http://monitoringthefuture.org

p. Family/social bonding indicators

Individuals who have strong attachments are less likely to behave in deviant behavior. For young people, attachment to parents is a primary importance.

q. HIV infection rates and transmission route

According to the 2009 DSHS Texas HIV/STD Surveillance Report, the Region 5 fifteen county area reported a total of 4,160 infectious diseases. Of the 25 counties with the highest STD cases, Jefferson and Nacogdoches Counties were listed. http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/hivstd/reports/STD2009.pdf

r. Noise violation data

Most cities have noise ordinances. Noise violations can vary from anything to loud music to barking dogs. However, there were no statistical data found within this region to report any trends or data in the enforcement of this type of ordinance.

s. Treatment episode admission data

Individuals within our region are constantly being referred and admitted to the various treatment facilities. In 2008, total admissions for various drugs were 1,838 adults and 150 youth. Youth drug use was mostly for marijuana.

t. Minors in Possession (MIP) data

With Various law enforcement agencies working together, those who are caught under the age of 21 in possession of alcohol, are charged with being in possession. With the various agencies enforcing this charge, youth are less likely to be in possession of alcohol due to the wide spread enforcement and the consequences associated with this charge/citation. Region 5 offers Minor and Possession classes for those who are cited in five counties: Angelina, Jasper, Polk, Trinity and Tyler.

u. Truancy data / drop-out rates

According to the 2008-2009 Secondary Schools Completion and Dropouts in Texas Public Schools, our region reported 34 student drop-outs. www.tea.state.tx.us

v. TABC data on citations

TABC continues to conduct undercover sting operations and provide instruction to licensees and their employees to promote a better understanding of the law and to encourage compliance.

w. Texas School Survey data

According to the 2008 Texas School Survey, overall substance use among youth has decreased in the last decade. This is driven by reductions in tobacco and alcohol use.

x. CORE survey data

The CORE Drug and Alcohol Survey is used by universities and colleges to determine the extent of substance use and abuse on their campuses. Some universities are also incorporating programs for incoming Freshman such as E-Chug and E-Toke which are confidential online surveys focusing on alcohol and marijuana use. Some of them are also utilizing safe ride programs which reduce the number of impaired drivers on roadways. We are continuing to work with Stephen F. Austin State University and partner with them again this year on the local college regional forum.

y. Other data sources

SYNAR report. Looking at the average rate of tobacco sales to minors, there has been a 1% increase in the number of sales compared to last year. One of our counties, Houston county, was randomly selected to participate in this survey during the summer of 2010. http://prevention.samhsa.gov/tobacco/SynarReportFY2009.pdf

Part V – Intervening Variables

1. Please discuss each of the following variables as they relate to Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs (ATOD) in the target community of your region.

A. Easy Retail Access

Retailers are aware of the consequences of selling to a minor. Although they are aware, they still seem to sell. This may be due to the high rate of employee turnover, lack of employee training, not checking identification, etc. In many of our counties, you can purchase alcohol at a number of places: liquor stores, convenience stores, grocery stores, restaurants and bars/clubs.

B. Low Enforcement

Due to many Police/Sheriff Departments being under staff, there isn't a lot of energy put in to enforcing ATOD. When it is enforced, it is often minimized. This is due to law enforcement knowing those who may be providing alcohol, tobacco, etc.

C. Social Access

Youth access ATOD through friends, parties and/or when someone older supplies it to them. There are some parents and adults who host parties/events for youth and provide alcohol. Many older people don't see any problem with providing alcohol to minors.

D. Perceived Risk

Some people feel there is nothing wrong with using alcohol and/or tobacco, because they are legal. They do however think that using other drugs is wrong. This may be due to them not seeing the immediate effects of using legal substances like alcohol and tobacco. Since no immediate effects are seen, they believe it isn't harmful or minimally harmful.

E. Social Norms

Many people (both youth and adults) feel that it is a "rite of passage" for youth to drink. There are drinking games that promote drinking when someone turns 21, the legal drinking age. Many people also think it's o.k. to share medications. Youth often get together and pour various medications into a bowl and take them with alcohol. Many people often share medications that were prescribed to them to others.

F. Promotion

Stores promote alcohol and tobacco by moving it to the front of the store and by placing it closer to the cash registers. All of this makes it more visible to their customers. Some restaurants and/or bars also promote daily drink specials or happy hours to encourage patrons to come in to their establishments.

G. Pricing

In some communities, when pricing increases, individuals drive to neighboring counties/cities to purchase elsewhere. In other communities, regardless of price, individuals still tend to find the financial means to buy.

2. Do you feel that the area in which you serve has a high incidence of drug use?

Yes No

3. If yes, what types of drugs are being used in the areas you serve? Place an X to ALL that apply:

Part VI – Community Readiness

1. Please describe the readiness of your community, in each of the following community sectors:

a. Youth

_____ No knowledge of local problems / issues

_____ Some knowledge of local problems / issues

___ __Knowledgeable of local problems / issues

__X__Very knowledgeable of local problems / issues

_____ Extremely knowledgeable of local problems / issues

Area youth tend to be very knowledgeable concerning local problems/issues. They tend to be "in the know" on the latest drug trends.

b. Parents

_____ No knowledge of local problems / issues

___ __Some knowledge of local problems / issues

__X__Knowledgeable of local problems / issues

_____ Very knowledgeable of local problems / issues

_____ Extremely knowledgeable of local problems / issues

Parents tend to be more knowledgeable now than in years past on local problems/issues. However the youth are more knowledgeable about them than their parents.

c. Business community

_____ No knowledge of local problems / issues

__ ___Some knowledge of local problems / issues

__X__Knowledgeable of local problems / issues

_____ Very knowledgeable of local problems / issues

_____ Extremely knowledgeable of local problems / issues

The business/workforce community is knowledgeable of local problems/issues. They allow us to come in and provide their employees with educational presentations and to distribute literature. They also strive to support their employees who may be dealing with ATOD use/abuse by referring them to available resources.

d. Media

_____ No knowledge of local problems / issues

_____ Some knowledge of local problems / issues

__X__Knowledgeable of local problems / issues

_____ Very knowledgeable of local problems / issues

_____ Extremely knowledgeable of local problems / issues

Local media outlets are knowledgeable. They are knowledgeable because they welcome PSAs and articles that we provide to them. In turn, they release this information to their listeners/subscribers. Whether television, newspaper or radio, they promote our various events/activities. Two of our biggest that they provide information on and cover are Red Ribbon Week and Great American Smokeout.

e. Schools

_____ No knowledge of local problems / issues

_____ Some knowledge of local problems / issues

__X__Knowledgeable of local problems / issues

_____ Very knowledgeable of local problems / issues

_____ Extremely knowledgeable of local problems / issues

Schools are knowledgeable of local problems/issues. They are aware of them and allow the various prevention providers to provide services on their campuses. These services are readily available to not only the students, but faculty/staff as well.

f. Youth-serving organizations

_____ No knowledge of local problems /

_____ Some knowledge of local problems / issues

__ ___ Knowledgeable of local problems / issues

__X__Very knowledgeable of local problems / issues

_____ Extremely knowledgeable of local problems / issues

Since these organizations deal with youth on a daily basis, they are very knowledgeable of local problems/issues that the youth of today are faced with. They stay up to date on current issues.

g. Law enforcement agencies

_____ No knowledge of local problems /

_____ Some knowledge of local problems / issues

___ __ Knowledgeable of local problems / issues

__X__Very knowledgeable of local problems / issues

_____ Extremely knowledgeable of local problems / issues

This population is very knowledgeable. Their jobs are to protect and serve the various communities in which they live/work. They are aware of the various things that affect our communities such as ATOD, violence, crime, etc. and strive to reduce them and improve our communities.

h. Religious or fraternal groups

_____ No knowledge of local problems /

__X__ Some knowledge of local problems / issues

_____ Knowledgeable of local problems / issues

_____ Very knowledgeable of local problems / issues

_____ Extremely knowledgeable of local problems / issues

Many people turn to their church for support when they are dealing with problems/issues. This particular sector of the community is not actively involved in many of the local prevention efforts associated with ATOD.

i. Civic or volunteer groups

_____ No knowledge of local problems /

___ _ Some knowledge of local problems / issues

__X__Knowledgeable of local problems / issues

_____ Very knowledgeable of local problems / issues

_____ Extremely knowledgeable of local problems / issues

Civic or volunteer groups are knowledgeable. They are knowledgeable because they often invite us in to present educational presentations during their meetings/events. Some of them support our efforts by participating in them or volunteering.

j. Healthcare professionals

_____ No knowledge of local problems /

_____ Some knowledge of local problems / issues

___ __Knowledgeable of local problems / issues

__X__Very knowledgeable of local problems / issues

_____ Extremely knowledgeable of local problems / issues

Healthcare professionals are very knowledgeable of local problems/issues. They are knowledgeable because they tend to see first had the dangerous effects of ATOD use/abuse from those who come in to the clinics, ERs and hospitals.

k. State, local, tribal governments

_____ No knowledge of local problems /

__X__Some knowledge of local problems / issues

__ ___Knowledgeable of local problems / issues

_____ Very knowledgeable of local problems / issues

_____ Extremely knowledgeable of local problems / issues

This population has some knowledge. If they have children in school or they hear/read the information given by the local media outlets, they have some knowledge. If not, they are not aware.

l. Other organizations interested in substance abuse prevention

_____ No knowledge of local problems /

__ ___ Some knowledge of local problems / issues

_____ Knowledgeable of local problems / issues

__X__Very knowledgeable of local problems / issues

_____ Extremely knowledgeable of local problems / issues

These individuals are very knowledgeable of local problems/issues. They join our efforts in supporting our services and/or activities/events. They do so because they know that substance abuse effects everyone.

Part VII – Putting it all Together

1. Now that you have conducted your needs assessment, what have you identified as your primary target population? Why?

Youth are our primary target in this region. Youth continue to be in need of education to better make decisions. Lack of exposure puts them at risk.

2. What have you identified as your target intervening variables? Why?

Perceived risk and social norms are our target intervening variables. Through our education and involvement with youth we can let them know that everybody is not using ATOD and educate them on the harmful effects of using them.

3.What have you identified as secondary target populations? Why?

Adults are our secondary target population. They represent the remaining portion of our region and are often parents and educators of our youth and need to be educated on ATOD use/abuse.

4.What have you identified as secondary variables you would like to address but may not be able to address this fiscal year? Why?

Easy retail access and low enforcement are identified as our secondary variables. By providing retailers with proper education and establishing relationships with local law enforcement, our ATOD use/access would be reduced.

5. How will you go through the process of creating a strategic plan for the selection of evidence-based environmental strategies, policy and procedure recommendations? Note: This is a process question. I am not asking what strategies you have chosen (you may not know yet). I am asking what process you will use to strategically choose the strategies.

We will begin by gathering and maintaining data that is relevant to our community/target area. Once this is done, we will determine what needs are in what communities. From there, we will address those needs. We will educate the community (both youth and adults) and reduce ATOD use/abuse.

Acknowledgement of this Needs Assessment:

Executive Director

Name (Print): Phyllis Grandgeorge

Signature:

Date:

Program Director

Name (Print):

Signature:

Date:

Angelina	Hardin	Houston
Jasper	Jefferson	Nacogdoches
Newton	Orange	Polk
Sabine	San Augustine	San Jacinto
Shelby	Trinity	Tyler