Calif. Lesbian, Gay And Bisexual Students More Likely To Feel Depressed, Abuse Substances Than Straight Peers
Rates of drug and alcohol abuse among LGB youth were also double that of their straight peers, and more than 60 percent reported feeling consistently sad for two weeks or more. “California is lucky to have the strongest statewide LGBT civil rights protections in the country but we know that that doesn’t necessarily translate to full, lived equality and that too many members of the LGBTQ community in California have unfortunately been left behind,” said Samuel Garrett-Pate, spokesman for Equality California.
The California Health Report:
Many California Schools Aren't Meeting Needs Of LGB Students, Report Finds
Lesbian, gay and bisexual students in California’s middle and high schools are much more likely than their straight peers to feel depressed, abuse substances and skip school, according to a new report by Kidsdata. ...Rates of drug and alcohol abuse among LGB youth were also double that of their straight peers, and half reported cutting classes or skipping school during the past year, compared to 35 percent of non-LGB youth. Skipping school is tied to poor emotional health and at-risk behavior, and hurts children’s health and educational attainment, the report stated.
In the staff survey, less than a third of school employees thought their campuses provided enough counseling and support services for students. (Boyd-Barrett, 1/10)
In other public health news —
Ventura County Star:
Malibu Diners May Have Been Exposed To Measles
Officials say people who visited a Malibu restaurant late last month may have been exposed to measles. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said a person with the illness visited Malibu and specifically the Paradise Cove Beach Café from 12:30-5 p.m. Dec. 29. There's no current risk of contracting measles by visiting the restaurant now, since the period of possible exposure ended more than a week ago, officials said. Also, since measles is spread from person to person by respiratory route, there is no risk from food eaten there. (1/10)
Modesto Bee:
State Awards $7.2 Million To Help Homeless In Stanislaus
California announced Thursday that it has awarded $7.2 million for homeless services — including for youth, shelters and helping people get into housing — in Stanislaus County. The award is part of the $500 million in one-time money the state set aside last summer through its Homeless Emergency Aid Program to help communities deal with the homelessness crisis. (Valine, 1/10)