The Wyoming Prevention Needs Assessment (PNA), sponsored by the Wyoming Department of Health and facilitated by the Wyoming Survey & Analysis Center at the University of Wyoming, has been collecting and reporting data on student behaviors and perceptions since the 2005-2006 school year. The PNA tracks the prevalence of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use among students in grades 6-12, as well as a wide array of attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions related to substance use. Over time, the scope of the PNA has expanded to include data on mental health, school climate, and availability of social support.
The PNA provides essential data that supports the development and evaluation of prevention strategies, interventions, and policies across the state of Wyoming. Schools, school districts, and communities utilize this data to tailor prevention efforts to their specific needs. Data from the survey is available publicly at both the state and county levels, with most participating school districts able to access their own student data.
The most recent data collection and reporting effort, under the current contract, is for the 2024 cycle, continuing the long-standing commitment to informing public health and educational initiatives in Wyoming.