• Alcohol is the most commonly used drug among Hernando students. 61.2% students reporting drinking (defined as “more than a few sips”) within their lifetime and 36.1% students reporting drinking within the past 30 days. ( Florida Youth Substances Abuse Survey, 2004)

•  28.8% of high school students were reported to have been “binge drinking” within the last 2 weeks. Binge drinking is defined as having 5 or more drinks in one setting. ( Florida Youth Substances Abuse Survey, 2004)

•  The survey also showed that the number of Hernando students who see heavy use of alcohol as harmful has decreased since 2002. ( Florida Youth Substances Abuse Survey, 2004)

•  Hernando County students have higher levels of risk factors and are at greater risk of drug and alcohol abuse, as well as other antisocial behaviors, than approximately 96% of other Florida counties. ( Florida Youth Substances Abuse Survey, 2004)

•  Out of 63 counties surveyed, Hernando County scored 46, within the bottom 8 counties in protective factors-characteristics that support healthy, dreg-free lifestyles, with only 2 counties scoring lower. Normative score is 50 (Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey, 2004)

•  As per risk factors-characteristics that support alcohol and other drug use as well as other antisocial, risky behavior- Hernando County scored 53, within the top 12 counties, with only 2 scoring higher. The normative state score is 50. ( Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey, 2004)

•  Hernando County students have low levels of “protective factors”. Many students do not feel appreciated or rewarded for their involvement in school or the community. They don't feel that they have a valued role to play in their community. ( Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey, 2004)

•  The percentage of Hernando County students involved in a reportable school incident which included alcohol is nearly double that of the state average. (SESIR, 2002-2003).

•  An average of 400-425 middle and high school referrals made each year and 75% of these referrals involve alcohol use. (Hernando County Schools)

•  Data supplied from the Hernando County Sheriff's Department shows that “between 2000-2004 there was a total of `175 charges related to possession of alcohol by a person under 21 years of age; 150 were charged with possession of alcohol under 21 years of age and 25 were charged with driving under the influence”

•  The fifth Hernando County Summit identified Violence/Substance Abuse as heading the list of Quality of Life Matters/Safety & Security issues to be developed over the next 2 years.

For more information on the Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey, please log on to www.dcf.state.fl.us/mentalhealth/publications/fysas