There is a strong need for continued substance abuse prevention and intervention in Metcalfe County. Substance use/abuse issues continue to negatively impact a number of families in our community. According to our recent County Extension Community Assessment, “issues related to drugs and substance abuse in Metcalfe County”. There has been a large number of youth that have started vaping this is a gateway to other abuse issues. 

To address the variety of substance abuse issues impacting our community, the Metcalfe County Extension 4-H Agent partnered with our public school system Gifted Education Educator to educate youth on drug prevention and making positive choices.

Make that positive choices threw Charter Counts for eighty nine students in the district. This is an enrichment activity designed to show students the impact of getting involved in legal substances through scenario based role-play activity. This helped their communication skills and knowledge on what can happen with positive and negative choices.

Over 95% gaining awareness of the impacts of substance use/abuse. 90% reported that they will try to make positive choices and think before they act. 84% of the participating students reported learning something new from the program.