October 2, 2002
Dear Colleagues:
We are releasing for the first time our data report on the health of young adults. It is a new section of the county-level reports on young adults addressing the economic, family and education problems of 18-29 year olds. The county level reports provide local data on issues presented in our Young Adults in South Carolina book published in 2000.
The section on health was quite difficult to compile. Young adults in the 18-29 range are seldom the focus of health promotion and prevention, especially as compared with children and the elderly. Our report strives to describe the health problems and risk-taking behaviors of young adults. Though 18-29 year olds are generally healthy, many experience mild or short duration health problems; some suffer from serious disabilities and chronic diseases; and too many endanger their good health by taking risks with alcohol, drugs, sex, violence, and reckless behavior. These health risks and conditions are described for unintentional and intentional injuries, chronic disease, mental illness, physical disabilities, pregnancy, sex and STDs, tobacco, alcohol and drug use, nutrition and weight, exercise, and utilization of healthcare.
None of these problems are addressed through programs that uniquely emphasize young adults. Young men and women 18-29 are supposed "on their own," becoming independent and self-sufficient. They no longer have school and parents to look out for their needs. But their health problems and risk-taking require attention, especially if increasingly serious health conditions are to be avoided. Young adulthood is the last age for which society can attempt prevention and early intervention as the primary approach to improving health.
Young adults are seldom the focus of our attention in public policy or private efforts. This seems a serious oversight since young adults are major participants in births of babies, adult education, higher education, crime, welfare, single parenting, divorce, alcohol and drug abuse, entry-level employment, and many other critical areas of concern. Our Young Adults Project seeks to bring attention to these important members of our communities.
Just as we strive to enable children to develop successfully, likewise we must assist young adults in making their transition to become productive workers, responsible family members, and contributors to their communities. Please become partners in our attempt to enable all young adults to make their transition to adulthood as successful as possible. We encourage you to share copies of these reports with colleagues and interested persons in your county.
Sincerely,
A. Baron Holmes, Director
SC Young Adults Project