To address the variety of substance abuse issues impacting our community, the Fleming County Cooperative Extension Service partnered with the Student organization, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) to organize and offer “Truth or Consequences, the Choice is Yours”. Truth or Consequences, the Choice is Yours is an enrichment activity designed to show students the impact of getting involved with illicit and legal substances.  Based upon the format of the 4-H Reality Store, students role-played scenarios including possession of prescription drugs, driving under the influence, sniffing, possession of alcohol, drug paraphernalia, or illegal drugs, trafficking, stealing drugs, etc. Depending on the scenario, students visited appropriate officials and/or agencies to experience the consequences of their behavior. This year’s event was made possible with the support of numerous community partners and volunteers. Community volunteers served as “parents” to the youth and accompanied them as they visited the various agencies such as law enforcement, judges, school officials, hospital, coroner and more.

162 9th grade students participated in Truth & Consequences: The Choice is Yours to learn more about the physical, legal, financial, and emotional consequences of substance abuse. The featured speaker discussed the seriousness and consequences of his actions at a young age which had the students listening intently. Evaluation results revealed the following:   95% reported they developed a better understanding of the legal consequences of substance abuse. 100% of youth reported a better understanding of the health consequences of substance abuse.