The McLean County Extension Office, McLean County Youth Service Center and McLean County High School Staff have worked together for three consecutive years to host the Truth and Consequences, The Choice is Yours program. The program is hosted each Fall during Red Ribbon Week for High School Freshman. 

Truth and Consequences: The Choice is Yours is a scenario-based program where students are given the opportunity to understand the consequences that can occur when making unhealthy and destructive decisions. The students are randomly assigned a scenario, as well as volunteer parent. Each student is instructed to explain the scenario to their “parent” and are to have a dialogue with them as if the scenario were happening. The students and “parent” must then visit community partners that they would in real life. Such as, Court Judge, Hospital, or School Resource Officer. 

During the program, the students take part in discussions focusing on Suicide Prevention, Juuling/Vaping, and the consequences of using a variety of different substances. A pre- and post-test is administered to the students to measure their level knowledge prior to and after participating in the program. 

-Before the program 39% of students felt the risk for self-harm was great when using Smokeless Tobacco. After the program 46% felt the risk for self-harm was great when using Smokeless Tobacco. 

-Before the program 58% of students felt it was a great risk in harming themselves by taking over the counter drugs to get high. After the program, 75% felt it was a great risk in harming themselves. 

-Before the program, 57% of students felt taking steroid pills or shots without a perception would be harmful to themselves. After the program, 75% felt it would be a great risk in harming themselves. 

-When asked how wrong it was for students to take steroid pills or shots without a doctor’s prescription: 69% reported it was wrong and after the program 82% reported it was wrong. 

-When students were asked “If I had a substance abuse issue, they would I would be able to access help in their community?”: before the program 57% reported yes and after the program 78% reported yes. 

It is clear when analyzing results from this program that students are have been misinformed about the risks of using both legal and illegal substances. Also, they are not aware of community services that are available to them if they need help relating to substance abuse and mental health. In the community, the Truth and Consequence program has developed new working partnerships with vital organizations and business in McLean County. Additionally, the program has created awareness of resources available to students and members of the community.