There is a strong need for continued substance abuse prevention and intervention in Clark County. Substance use/abuse issues continue to negatively impact a large number of families in the community. According to the recent Kentucky Extension Community Assessment, “issues related to drugs and substance abuse were raised as pressing issues for Clark County” The assessment also indicated that “Drug abuse impacts the individuals and families directly affected and carries economic and social implications for the community.”

To address the variety of substance abuse issues impacting our community, the Clark County Cooperative Extension Service partnered with other local agencies to organize Truth or Consequences: The Choice is Yours for 428 ninth grade students at George Rogers Clark High School. Truth or Consequences is an enrichment activity designed to show students the impact of getting involved with illicit and legal substances through scenario based role-play activity. Depending on the scenario, students visited appropriate officials and/or agencies to experience the consequences of their behavior. This year’s event was possible with a wide variety of community partners who see the value in the program. Extension Homemaker members along with other volunteers served as “parents” to the youth and accompanied them as they visited the various agencies such as law enforcement, judges, school officials, hospital, and coroner.

Over 90% of the community partners and volunteers reported gaining awareness of the impacts of substance use/abuse in the community as well as resources available to address the issues. One volunteer commented “This is a great program. The students really seemed to think about the scenarios and how it would affect them.” Over half the participating students reported learning something new from the program. The event 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.