The Howard County Health Department released its 2024‑2025 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, revealing encouraging trends in substance‑use prevention and continuing challenges in youth mental health. Both middle‑ and high‑school students reported lower rates of alcohol, marijuana, tobacco and electronic smoking device (ESD) use compared with 2013, a testament to the county’s sustained education and prevention programs.
Substance‑use declines signal program success
Among middle‑schoolers, alcohol use fell from 6.0% in 2013 to 3.7% this year, with similar downward moves across most demographic groups. High‑school alcohol use dropped dramatically, from 30.1% in 2013 to 12.7% in 2024. Marijuana, tobacco and ESD use also declined across the board, reflecting the impact of consistent community outreach, school‑based education and partnerships that Deputy Health Officer Antigone Vickery praised as “significant declines” driven by “consistent community education, prevention programs, and partnerships across Howard County.”
Mental‑health trends require focused attention
While substance‑use numbers improved, the survey showed mixed mental‑health signals. Sadness or hopelessness among middle‑schoolers rose from 19.4% in 2013 to 29.0% in 2024, affecting all demographic groups, though white students saw modest gains between 2022 and 2024. High‑school students reported a rise from 23.3% to 28.3% over the same period, with female students showing a slight decline between 2022 and 2024.
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors displayed varied patterns. Black middle‑school students and female students reported higher consideration of suicide, while multiracial students showed decreases in planning and attempts. Among high‑schoolers, suicide attempts fell sharply from 16.1% in 2021 to 5.6% in 2024, and Hispanic students reported fewer suicidal thoughts and planning.
County leaders double down on mental‑health support
County Executive Calvin Ball emphasized that Howard County’s youth remain “at the heart of our work to build a healthier, safer, and more resilient community.” He highlighted ongoing initiatives such as the Youth Engagement Programming, the Summer Youth Employment Program, school‑based mental‑health care in every public school, and the upcoming Source community center.
To address rising feelings of sadness, the Health Department is expanding its evidence‑based Suicide Prevention Program, which includes the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, the Crisis Text Line, and a new Gun Lock Giveaway Program that provides free firearm safety locks at all county library branches and the health department. The department also continues the “It’s OK to Ask” campaign, aimed at reducing stigma around mental‑health conversations and offering culturally responsive resources.
Future tools and youth involvement
Howard County is developing additional outreach tools, including a revised Teen Health Matters website built with student input and a forthcoming Youth Advisory Council to ensure programs reflect the needs and ideas of today’s young people. These efforts are slated to launch later this fall.
Overall, the survey paints a picture of progress in substance‑use prevention paired with ongoing mental‑health challenges. County officials remain committed to building on the gains while expanding supports for the emotional well‑being of Howard County’s children and teens.
Original reporting: Baltimore Fishbowl — read the source article.
