Addressing Substance Abuse Through Community Collaboration in Hickman County

According to the 2022 Hickman County Community Needs Assessment conducted by the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, substance abuse prevention and intervention ranks as one of the most urgent community priorities. This pressing issue touches nearly every aspect of community life—from family stability to workforce readiness and public safety. These issues are affecting families and the overall well-being of the community (University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, 2022). 

In response, the Hickman County Cooperative Extension Service partnered with the KAPS Family Resource and Youth Services Center and over 40 community collaborators to host "Truth or Consequences: The Choice Is Yours," a powerful, immersive educational program targeting youth in grades 8–10. This prevention-focused event helps young people understand the physical, legal, emotional, and financial consequences of getting involved with substances, both legal and illegal.

Truth or Consequences uses a realistic role-play format in which students navigate various scenarios, including possession of prescription drugs, underage drinking, DUI, drug paraphernalia, trafficking, and more. Depending on their assigned scenario, students met with community figures, including law enforcement, judges, school officials, hospital staff, and coroners, to simulate the ripple effects of their choices. Community volunteers, including Extension Homemakers, accompanied the students and played the roles of parents to increase the authenticity of the experience.

This year, 55 students participated, and the event was made possible through the active engagement of key local partners, including the Hickman County Sheriff’s Office, Clinton Police Department, County Attorney’s Office, a retired local judge, the Hickman County Health Department, Regional Prevention Center, Hickman County Schools, and many more.

The impact was significant:

90% of students reported a better understanding of the health and financial consequences of substance abuse.

82% gained insight into the emotional toll of addiction.

90% better understood the legal implications.

86% developed a deeper awareness of the risk and harm associated with substance use.

90% stated they now knew how to access help in the community if needed.

Adult volunteers and partners also found value in the experience. All volunteers indicated they planned to use what they learned in future interactions, and 82% discovered at least one new community resource available for addressing substance abuse. One community partner shared, “This program is sobering—both for youth and adults. Thank you for continuing it!”

As substance abuse continues to threaten the well-being of families in Hickman County, programs like Truth or Consequences provide an essential tool for education, prevention, and community mobilization. The commitment of Extension and its partners reflects a proactive approach to building a healthier, more resilient future for the county’s youth.

University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. (2022). Hickman County Community Assessment Data. Retrieved from https://extension.ca.uky.edu/community-assessment