A Note About the Data Indicators that Follow

This kit focuses on alcohol and tobacco because they are, by far, the drugs of choice in Minnesota. County-level data on illicit drug use, especially adult use, is hard to find. For information on illicit drug use in Minnesota, in comparison to other states, refer to the National Household Survey, 1999, www.samhsa.gov/hhsurvey/hhsurvey.html

For each step in the chemical health assessment process, the following will be presented:

  • A list of "indicators," which measure conditions or behaviors that are precursors to and/or outcomes of chemical use. A community that collects data on a variety of different types of indicators can get an indication of the chemical health status of their community.

  • For each indicator, the following tables list:
    1. Whether the indicator is a "protective factor,"* and
    2. Whether the indicator is available at the county, state, or
      national level, or needs to be collected in the community.

  • A list of data sources for the chemical health indicators, where to
    obtain the data, and the limitations of the data.

The following tables list chemical health indicators for a "Basic Community Assessment for Chemical Health" and for an "Additional Community Assessment for Chemical Health." Not all of the indicators have to be used in the assessment process. Decide what information you need, then pick and choose which indicators are best for your particular community's chemical health assessment.

*Protective factors are conditions within individuals, families, organizations and communities that reduce the risk of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug-related problems (such as personality traits, values, attitudes, social climates, positive relationships, etc.).

Community Health Check Main Page

Chemical Health Community Health Promotion Guide Main Page

Community Health Promotion Guide Main Page



See also > Center for Health Promotion > Health Promotion and Chronic Disease