There continues to be a strong need for substance abuse prevention and intervention in Marshall County.  The opiod crisis, alcohol abuse, and the rise of vaping among teens continues to be a reality in our community. The Marshall County Cooperative Extension Service partnered with the Youth Service Center (YSC) and other local agencies for a third year on Truth and Consequences: The Choice is Yours for the 8^th graders at North & South Marshall Middle Schools.   The co-chairs of the program were the Marshall County YSC Coordinator and County 4-H Youth Development Agent.

Truth and Consequences is an enrichment activity designed to show students the impact of getting involved with illicit and legal substances. Updated student scenarios including vaping, use of e-cigarettes, sexting, assault, and harassment addressed some current issues not previously accounted for in the more drug/alcohol only scenarios of the past. Depending on the scenario, students visited appropriate officials and/or agencies to experience the consequences of their behavior. This year’s events were possible with a wide variety of community partners including speakers from Teen Challenge, Marshall County schools, Health Department, Sheriff’s Department, Assistant County Attorney, District Judge, County Hospital, Department of Juvenile Justice & Court Workers, County Jail, local ministers, County Coroner, ASAP, and Regional Prevention Center. 

Representatives from local businesses, students’ parent/guardians, and the County FCS Agent 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.  371 eighth grade students participated in Truth & Consequences: The Choice is Yours to learn more about the physical, legal, financial, and emotional consequences of substance abuse. Over 65 community partners and adult volunteers participated in the two events as well with some of these working both programs. About 50 of those same community partners participated in both events.

From parent/guardian and community volunteer survey results, the following adults (46 responses received) gained:

• Awareness of the problems and impacts of substance abuse in our community – 44
• Knowledge of the resources that are available for substance use in our community – 42

Parent/guardian and community volunteer comments received day of and after included:

• “Fantastic program for our youth. If this event helped just one child make a better choice, it is worth it!   I believe many are being helped!”
• I Learned a lot myself and am very appreciative for a program that exposes young students to these harsh realities if drugs and other negative actions are taken.”

Given the problem continues, Marshall County Extension Service will continue to provide such substance abuse prevention educational opportunities when possible.