There is a strong need for continued substance abuse prevention and intervention in Owen County.   The number of diverted prescriptions and illegal drugs, overdoses, thefts, arrests, and medical/financial consequences of drug abuse continues to negatively impact a large number of families in the community.  To address these issues surrounding substance abuse impacting our community, the Owen County Extension Office in partnership with many other local agencies collaborated to organize Truth and Consequences at the Owen County High School.  Truth and Consequences is an enrichment activity designed to educate students about the impact of substance abuse, including the physical, legal, financial, and emotional consequences.  This program reached 150 high school freshmen at the Owen County High School. There were a total of 39 community partners and adult volunteers that participated in this event as well.  A community partner evaluation indicated that all 39 strongly agreed that youth substance abuse is a problem in the community and agreed that it is easy for youth to obtain drugs in the community as well as strongly agreed that one reason why alcohol and drug use occurs for youth in the community is that there are not enough activities to participate in.  A follow up evaluation given to the students revealed the following: 78% of freshman indicated that it was slightly or not wrong at all for someone their age to participate in one or two drinks of an alcoholic beverage; 80% also indicated that there was slight to no risk in people harming themselves physically or in other ways if they participate in one or two drinks of and alcoholic beverage; and 63% indicated slight or no risk in harm associated with the use of vapes.

This program continues to make an impact on students each year by providing them with a first-hand look at the realities and consequences of getting involved with substance abuse.