Contact: Ashley Lattier
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423.899.9188
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-  October 28, 2011

Survey Finds Healthy Trends On The Rise

Chattanooga, TN-- Over 3,400 Hamilton County high school students from 19 public and six private schools completed the latest Youth Risk Behavior Survey(YRBS) conducted by the Hamilton County Regional Health Council. Since the first YRBS Survey conducted in 1998, the study found major improvements in almost every risk category measured. The percentage of students who engaged in two or more risky behaviors--smoking, drinking, marijuana use and sexual intercourse-- decreased from 41 percent in 1998 to 28 percent in 2011. Other positive trends include the fact that 50 percent of Hamilton County teens report not engaging in any risk behaviors, up 12 percent from 1998 survey results. 

Forty six percent of high school students report ever having sexual intercourse, down from 58 percent in 1998.The survey also reported that risk behaviors cluster, reporting that sexually active students were 2.5 times more likely to also smoke, drink or use marijuana than students who were not sexually active. 

Additional in depth findings from the survey will be released at a later date covering alcohol, tobacco and substance abuse; health and wellness and youth violence, bullying and weapon carrying. 

About On Point:
On Point is a Chattanooga-based non profit organization that proactively addresses the proven root issues of support, education and positive values. On Point works to not only prevent teen risk behaviors, but to help young people succeed. We partner with schools, families, non profit organizations, congregations and civic organizations to build a community that intentionally develops these strengths and competencies in young people. 

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