Pubdate: Fri, 04 Aug 2000
Source: News Journal (DE)
Copyright: 2000 The News Journal
Contact:  Letters to Editor, Box 15505, Wilmington, DE 19850
Fax: (302) 324-2595
Website: http://www.delawareonline.com/
Author: Mike Chalmers

DRUGS RANK AS TOP CONCERN IN STATE

UD study also cites alcohol

Delaware residents think drug and alcohol abuse is one of the biggest
problems facing their neighborhoods, ranking above such other issues as
crime and health care, a survey by the University of Delaware has found.

More than a third of state residents polled said drug abuse is a problem in
their neighborhood, while one in six said alcohol use is hurting the state.

Together, they form the top concern in Wilmington, suburban New Castle
County and Kent County. In Sussex County, public transportation is the top
concern.

The findings were the highlight of a Community Needs Assessment released
Thursday by the university's Center for Community Development and Family
Policy. The center compiled the study for the state Office of the Budget.

State and local governments, nonprofit organizations, charitable foundations
and private donors will use the study's findings in their decisions about
where to direct their energy and money, said Karen Curtis, a UD professor
who directed the study.

Andrew Hastings, president of the Delaware Association of Nonprofit
Agencies, said the study would have a "profound" impact on how organizations
work.

In spring 1999, the center surveyed 1,200 Delaware residents and 141
organizations that provide services. The survey has a margin of error of
plus or minus 5 percent.

It also conducted four focus groups and used data from other studies to
produce weighted assessments of community concerns.

The highlights of the study include:

• A third of Delaware residents said a lack of recreational and cultural
activities in their neighborhood was a major concern.

• One resident in four is concerned about public transportation.

• Other top concerns were housing problems facing the elderly, and crime and
victims' services.
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