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 at an early age. This is a gateway to other abuse issues. 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 local community. 

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 and Family Resource to educate youth on drug prevention and making positive choices.

Make that positive Choice Charter Counts for one hundred 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, knowledge and connection with positive safe adults and mentors. They learned how to handle themselves in different situations and who they can count on to be positive in their everyday lives.

94% reported gaining awareness of the impacts of substance use/abuse in the community as well as resources available to address the issues. One participant said “I feel I can reach out to others for help if I need it. This is a great program!”

93% of the students said “they will think before they do something negative and how it would affect them. 80% of the students reported they learning something new from the program. The educational program continues to make an impact on students after six months 85% of the students said they think of the consequences of getting involved with substance use/abuse and make better choices.