Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death in both the United States and San Diego County. It is a complex and deeply concerning public health issue that demands a comprehensive, multi-layered approach to prevention, intervention, and care. The San Diego County Suicide Prevention Council (SPC) is committed to leveraging data to inform its … Read more
Youth today are immersed in digital technology like never before, spending upwards of 8.5 hours daily on screens for entertainment. Nearly half of 11- to 17-year-olds describe feeling “addicted” to their phones, a trend that coincides with a sharp rise in anxiety, depression, and loneliness among young people since 2012—the era of smartphones and social … Read more
Drowning Dangers: Unintentional Injuries in Our Communities Drowning is a leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children and adolescents. Often quick and silent, these incidents can happen in seconds—whether at pools, lakes, beaches, or even bathtubs. In California drowning is a leading cause of death for children. In San Diego County, where water access … Read more
A nationally representative survey conducted in 2023 found that approximately 11% of 12th-grade students across the United States reported using Delta-8 THC in the past year, while about 30% reported using marijuana.1 Closer to home, the 2023–24 California Healthy Kids Survey found that approximately 7% of 11th-grade students in San Diego County self-reported using marijuana … Read more
Opioid overdoses continue to be a major public health crisis, with fentanyl playing a significant role in fatal and nonfatal cases. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin, is often hidden in counterfeit pills like Xanax or Vicodin1, making it especially dangerous for individuals who may not even realize they … Read more
Childhood obesity is strongly correlated to adult obesity, as children with obesity are more likely to remain obese in adulthood, and overweight children are at higher risk of becoming overweight adults. Healthy living is crucial at every stage of life, from childhood to adulthood. Children with obesity are at a higher risk for asthma, sleep … Read more
Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences (HOPE), developed by Tufts Medical Center, emphasizes the critical role of positive childhood experiences (PCEs). Based on research demonstrating that secure relationships, a sense of belonging, and connectedness can enhance resilience and mitigate childhood trauma and adversity, the HOPE framework underscores the importance of individual and community strengths. It prioritizes … Read more