Alcohol and tobacco use continue to be a concern among youth in Clark County. Nearly 10% of Kentucky youth ages 12-15 try alcohol for the first time, according to national data. Research shows that alcohol use in teenagers can lead to developmental concerns, increased risk for depression, anxiety and low self esteem. To address this, the Family & Consumer Sciences agent partnered with the Youth Services Coordinator at Robert D Campbell Junior High School and the Clark County Health Department to educate junior high students about the effects of tobacco and alcohol on their bodies. The FCS agent recorded a video to be shown in all 824 seventh and eighth graders teaching about the effects of alcohol on a teenager’s brain and body. After the video was shown, the FCS agent along with the YSC Coordinator and the Health Department set up an education station at Field Day where students could learn about alcohol and tobacco. Students could wear intoxication simulation goggles and attempted to perform daily living tasks. They also learned about tobacco and vaping effects on lungs.

Of the respondents, 97% of them indicated that they had learned something new as a result of the education day. More than 60% of the students indicated that typical functioning was more difficult wearing the goggles than they believed it would be.