Since 1989, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has conducted a survey of school students in 6th, 8th, 10th and 12th grades to learn about their behavior, attitudes and knowledge concerning alcohol, tobacco, other drugs and violence. The Pennsylvania Youth Survey, or PAYS, is sponsored and conducted every two years by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. Lower Dauphin has been conducting the PAYS since 2001.
The data gathered in PAYS serve two primary needs. First, the results provide school administrators, state agency directors, legislators and others with critical information concerning the changes in patterns of the use and abuse of these harmful substances and behaviors. Second, the survey assesses risk factors that are related to these behaviors and the protective factors that help guard against them. This information allows community leaders to direct prevention resources to areas where they are likely to have the greatest impact.
2021 PA Youth Survey Highlights
This document provides a snapshot view of highlighted data based on the entire state: PAYS 2021 – State of Pennsylvania
2021 LD Youth Survey Highlights
This document provides a snapshot view of highlighted data based on the Lower Dauphin community:
2021 PAYS LD Community Highlights
Community Outreach
In 2021, LD CTC received grant funding from PennState Health to mail home details about the PAYS report to families in our community. Topics covered included:
Vaping – Vaping Infographic
Mental Health – Mental Wellness Infographic
Marijuana – Marijuana Infographic
Alcohol Use – Alcohol Infographic