The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment said more than 100,000 youth responded to the voluntary survey.
“Not surprisingly, the data indicate that youth have been struggling during the pandemic, as we all have,” said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, executive director, CDPHE in a statement. “But, there are many positive aspects, including a reduction in substance use and perceived access to drugs, alcohol and cigarettes. Importantly, the survey points to the need to support and increase protective factors for youth of color and LGBTQ+ youth.
• 23% of genderqueer/nonbinary youth attempted suicide in the past year, compared to 8% of their female peers and 4% of their male peers. • 23% of genderqueer/nonbinary youth were exposed to secondhand smoke or vapor at home in the past week, compared to 16% of their female peers and 14% of their male peers.
While the percentage of youth who experienced hunger in the past 30 days due to lack of food at home decreased from 15% in 2019 to 12% in 2021, disaggregated data reveal that: • 20% of youth unsure about their transgender status experienced hunger in the past 30 days, compared to 12% of their cisgender peers.