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Straight Dope


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Murray, KY, 1998

WKMS and the Regional Prevention Center (RPC) developed Straight Dope to inform the public about youth substance abuse issues in the West Kentucky area. We sought to raise awareness of the extent of the problem and familiarize teens and adults with the resources available in our region. Those resources include materials, programs, and personnel of the RPC, along with other local counseling and law enforcement organizations.

We developed a project website that includes printed resources for downloading, a searchable database of materials that RPC distributes or loans, and a discussion area for teens and others to ask questions of professionals. Print materials were developed to provide information that teens and adults actually need and are seeking, rather than information that counselors or law enforcement officials have identified as important. These materials will be distributed at schools, churches, and youth centers around the area.

WKMS developed and aired a special month-long series of twice-weekly, in-depth reports exploring youth substance abuse in the West Kentucky region, defining the depth of the problem by examining arrest and use statistics for our listening area. Profiles of a recovering teen addict and her mother were also featured in the programming.

WKMS and the RPC launched a monthly call-in/discussion program aimed at teens, parents and teachers, and the public throughout western Kentucky. Topics included defining substance abuse and its economic impact, exploring treatment options available in our region, and examining legal aspects of the problem. Alcohol and tobacco seem especially sensitive in our area.

The Regional Prevention Center has largely taken responsibility for the project Web site. Its director hosted Straight Dope, and its staff, and collaborating agencies were available as guests and resources for news reports.
Judging from community response to WKMS's increased news attention to substance abuse issues and the Straight Dope, the effort is paying off. More people are aware of the extent to which substance abuse is a problem in the area. Because both the call-in and Web site are new formats for this region, there has been a period of educating the public on their use.

Other Profiles

Contact Information

Straight Dope
Vince Medlock, Production/Training/Operations Coordinator
Tel: 800-599-4737

Regional Prevention Center
Rebecca McQuage
Tel: 502-442-8039

Awards:

WKMS Round Two
Promises to Keep
Semi-finalist — Batten Award for Excellence in Civic Journalism

Additional Funding: Promises to Keep received a $10,000 grant from the Kentucky Arts Council, a $10,000 match from Murray State University, a mini-grant from the Kaiser Foundation and a grant from the Kentucky Foundation for Women for program continuation.