Delco Officials Holding Youth Risk Summit Today

Officials from Delaware County are gathering today to review Delaware County's results from the 2015 Pennsylvania Youth Survey.

According to the data, tobacco use has gone down among high school seniors. However, it shows 19 percent of seniors in the county have "vaped," using devices such as electronic cigarettes or "e-cigarettes," in the last 30 days.

The survey shows Delaware County teens have a lower rate of alcohol use when compared to the state. According to results, alcohol use as a gateway drug was rated at 37 percent, while statewide results show a 43 percent gateway drug use rate.

Marijuana was listed as the second most common gateway drug in the county, with 17 percent of students reporting lifetime use of the drug.

Officials participating in the summit include Delaware County behavioral health officials, District Attorney Jack Whelan of the Delaware County Heroin Task Force, and Keynote Speaker Dr. Kerry King, PA ICAC Task Force.

The Pennsylvania Youth Survey conducts biennial surveys of students in sixth, eighth, 10th, and 12th grades to gather information on students knowledge, attitude, and behaviors regarding alcohol, tobacco, and drug use.

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