EXAMPLE MESSAGING
This section includes example messaging that school districts can utilize from federal, state, or local agencies.
PUTTING THIS INTO PRACTICE
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has example graphics, flyers, audio (podcast), videos, data, and other resources on different substances that can be used for schools' substance use prevention efforts..
Facts abount Fentanyl
Source: CDC
FACTS ABOUT POLYSUBSTANCE
Source: CDC
FACTS ABOUT NALOXONE
Source: CDC
FACTS ABOUT STIGMA
Source: CDC
SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATION'S TIPS FOR TEENS
LOCAL EXAMPLE MESSAGING
Riverside University Health System—Public Health (RUHS—PH) Media Campaign
RUHS—PH launched two media campaigns for youth in 2021 and 2023 to Increase awareness, participation, and engagement in overdose prevention and harm reduction methods among youth and young adults in Riverside County. Message content and media aesthetics were tested among youth in 2021. Messaging for the 2023 campaign was selected based off highest performing messages from the previous media campaign.
School districts can use media graphics and videos for their website, social media, flyers, or other digital platforms.
The media content connects people to a resource page on RUHS—Public Health’s website. This page includes a detailed overview of types of drugs, recognizing and responding to an overdose, use of naloxone, as well as other resources and contact information for help (e.g., Riverside County CARES Line, SAMHSA National Helpline, National Suicide Prevention Lifeline). The landing page also includes a downloadable pocket card with resources and steps for recognizing and responding to an overdose.
Riverside University Health System—Behavioral Health (RUHS—BH) It’s Up to Us Media Campaign
It’s Up to Us is a multi-media education and awareness campaign for Riverside County. With positive, strength-based creative messaging, this campaign is designed to reduce stigma and prevent suicide by empowering residents of Riverside County to talk openly about mental illness, recognize symptoms, utilize local resources, and seek help. The It's Up to Us website has campaign materials including audio (e.g., example radio/TV messaging), logos, and print materials. The campaign includes materials in both English and Spanish.
SAFE MESSAGING GUIDELINES
SAFE Messaging for Overdose and Substance Use
As school districts navigate conversations about overdoses, integrating safe messaging concepts is crucial to avoiding potentially harmful messaging. Safe messaging should be considered throughout all messaging on overdoses and substance use, especially with reporting local overdoses. School districts should keep the following in mind to avoid potentially unsafe messaging:
- Repeated, prominent, or sensational coverage.
- Too many details about overdose related deaths.
- Glamorizing or romanticizing overdose.
- Presenting simplistic explanations for overdose.
- Including personal details that encourage the identification with the person who died.
- Don’t reinforce negative stereotypes, myths or stigma related to substance use or mental health.
