There is a strong need for continued substance abuse prevention and intervention in Webster County. The number of diverted prescriptions and illegal drugs, overdoses, thefts, arrests, court cases, and medical/financial consequences of drug abuse continue to negatively impact a large number of families in the community. To address the variety of substance abuse issues impacting our community, the Webster County Cooperative Extension Service partnered with the Webster County ASAP board, Circuit Court Judge, District Court Judge, Family Court Judge, County Attorney and Commonwealth Attorney along with the Family Resource Coordinator for the Middle School to organize Truth or Consequences. Truth or Consequences 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 possible with a wide variety of community partners (twenty-five agencies) including: the Judicial System, prevention agencies, the school board, health care agencies, EMS, Coroner’s office and Law enforcement (local and state).  Approximately 120 students participated in Truth & Consequences to learn more about the physical, legal, financial, and emotional consequences of substance abuse. 

The committee changed it this year and the students visited volunteers at the school with a minor scenario and their second scenario was more serious and they went to the Court House and went before a Judge along with Attorneys, Bailiffs and Parole Officers. Student quotes: “the scariest part was going before the Judge,” “I believe this is the best way to teach kids about drugs and what they can do.” One student said that one of the Judges said “Every action has a consequence” and that has stuck with them. The Commonwealth Attorney called the Family & Consumer Sciences Extension Agent two months after the program and wanted to share this program and schedule with his other counties and use Webster County as a pilot program. He thought the changed to the schedule to include the courthouse visit had more impact than previous years.  

Evaluation results revealed the following:  95%of students indicated that they developed a better understanding of the consequences of substance abuse (legal, health, emotional, and financial), 95% indicated that they developed a better understanding of the risk and harm of substance abused 98% of students indicated that they developed a better understanding of where to access help in the community for a substance abuse issue.