The Communities That Care (CTC) coalition has taken an important step in its work to create a better community.

At a meeting Sept. 26, CTC Community Mobilizer Denise Continenza announced the release of the Community Profile Report.

The 20-page document sums up the work of the coalition since it began in 2012 and interprets key data revealed by the Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS) given to students in the Whitehall-Coplay School District.

"The profile shows how the youth of this community feel about their school, community, families and interactions with peers," said Continenza after the meeting. "It shines light on the strengths of our community and shows us where we should concentrate efforts to decrease risks for youth and increase protection."

Describing it as the "road map for the CTC," she said the document should be seen by "everyone who cares about the young people and the future of Whitehall-Coplay."

Although it includes an introduction and overview of CTC activities, including a timeline, the heart of the report covers the results of the survey, which was administered to 1,007 students in grades 6, 8, 10 and 12 in the year 2012 and to 1,071 students in those same grades in 2013.

The rate of youth using alcohol or marijuana at school came in at 5.7 percent, which is just under the state average of 6 percent. More striking, however, is the fact that 70 percent of sixth graders who have used drugs or alcohol reported getting the substance from a parent or guardian, the report says.

"While doing a thorough examination of the responses to questions on the PAYS, it is imperative that the coalition goes even deeper to find the causation of the problem behaviors being reported," the report states.

Educating parents about the dangers of alcohol and drugs and how to discuss these issues with their children is a priority identified by the coalition after interpreting the survey data.

"We discussed how this community – like many others – gives youth double messages about alcohol use. Alcohol use is observed to be prevalent in this community. It is present at many community events where young and old mix," says the report. "In addition ... there is a belief supported by many adults that even though underage drinking is wrong, there are many times when it is acceptable such as during a party held in the home that is monitored by an adult. This is of great concern to coalition members."

During roundtable discussions, through which coalition members interpreted survey data, they asked questions such as "Do parents as well as youth truly understand the consequences of engaging in negative behavior such as underage drinking?"

The report also indicates youth believe activities and opportunities for them are limited.

Rectifying this is another priority defined by coalition members.

"One of our priorities is to increase opportunities in the community for young people to get involved, contribute in meaningful ways and be recognized," said Continenza. "The kids told us in the survey that this is something they want to see more of. And research tells us that when kids get recognized for good things they do, there is a lesser chance that they will get involved in negative things like drugs or crime."

Knowing what youth are doing and how they see their community helps the coalition to address the problems.

"When we know these facts, we can focus scarce resources like time and money on the things that really matter rather than what we as adults think are important," the report says.

In the coming weeks, hard copies of the Community Profile will be made available at the Whitehall Township municipal building, the Coplay Borough hall, libraries and the school district administration building. Copies will also be posted to the district, township and borough websites.