The 2024 Community Needs Assessment Survey revealed that Substance Misuse Prevention and Recovery, Minimizing Youth Substance Use, and Improved Mental Health Services are among the top concerns of Carlisle County residents. Substance Misuse Disorder has been an ongoing concern in Carlisle County for many years. Research shows that substance misuse can cause permanent changes in a developing brain, potentially leading to mental health struggles and addiction disorders later in life, making it imperative that there be an intervention with youth to educate about the dangers of risky behaviors involving drugs and alcohol.

Carlisle County FCS Extension, Carlisle County Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP) council collaborated to present "Truth & Consequences: The Choice is Yours" (T&C) to 8th grade students and their guardians as a tool to demonstrate the potential dangers associated with alcohol and substance misuse.  T&C is a fully immersive educational event that allows participants to navigate the real-life consequences associated with the choices they could be faced with regarding substance use, alcohol, and/or risky online activity. Community partners representing the various organizations involved in the process provided real accounts of what the students would experience following the incident described in their scenario. Recovery Program participants provided personal testimonials to the participants.

Of the participating students, thirty-nine completed surveys that sited increased understanding of the legal, physical, and financial consequences of being involved in risky behaviors such as alcohol and substance misuse. Responses varied from making the decision “not to drink or do drugs” at all, to making smart choices about transportation and surroundings if they were in a situation involving alcohol or substance use.