The U.S. Attorney’s Office, in partnership with the City Attorney’s Office and the MESA Foundation, has launched a groundbreaking campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl. San Diego State University’s men’s basketball team, including players from the 2023 NCAA national championship game, are joining forces in a social media campaign to promote fentanyl awareness and prevention. This unique collaboration between student-athletes and the Department of Justice aims to educate the community about the risks of fentanyl and provide vital information on how to obtain Narcan, a medication that can reverse the effects of opioid overdose. With hashtags like #BlockFentanyl and #KnowAboutNarcan, this campaign is poised to make a significant impact on fentanyl prevention efforts.
Curious about your city’s darkest crime stories? Dive in here!
Campaign Overview
The partnership between SDSU basketball stars and the U.S. Attorney’s Office aims to promote fentanyl awareness and prevention. The goal is to educate the public about the dangers of fentanyl and emphasize the importance of being aware of Narcan locations. The campaign features social media public service announcements (PSAs) and hashtags to reach a wide audience.
Social Media PSAs
The two PSAs delivered by the athletes convey a powerful message about the dangers of fentanyl. They highlight how fentanyl does not discriminate based on race or addiction status, and it can cause chaos and destroy families. The PSAs urge viewers to be vigilant and know the locations where Narcan is available, as it can save lives in the event of an overdose.
Deployment of the Campaign
The campaign was released on various social media platforms to maximize its reach. Student-athletes, the MESA Foundation, and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) were all involved in the deployment process. The campaign launch coincided with National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day to amplify the message and engage the public in the fight against fentanyl.
Aggressive Prosecutions Against Fentanyl
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and its law enforcement partners have been actively pursuing aggressive prosecutions at every level of the fentanyl supply chain. From targeting cartel leaders to street-level dealers, the focus is on addressing the fentanyl crisis comprehensively. By targeting the sources of fentanyl distribution, law enforcement aims to disrupt its availability and reduce its impact on communities.
Additional Prevention and Outreach Strategies
As part of the prevention and outreach strategy, a presentation on fentanyl was conducted at San Diego State University. The presentation covered the dangers and signs of overdose, as well as proper deployment of Narcan. By educating students, particularly resident advisors and student leaders, the aim is to equip them with knowledge to recognize and respond to fentanyl-related emergencies.
Acting U.S. Attorney’s Statement
Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Haden expressed a strong commitment to protecting and educating young people about the dangers of fentanyl. He emphasized the importance of preventing fatal overdoses and applauded the SDSU student-athletes for their involvement in the campaign. Their celebrity and influence contribute to the campaign’s success by raising awareness and encouraging action.
City Attorney’s Statement
San Diego City Attorney Mara W. Elliott underscored the risks associated with fentanyl and its potency. She highlighted the need to reach susceptible children and young adults before they fall victim to the drug. The creation of the PSAs serves as a crucial tool in informing youth about the dangers of fentanyl and ensuring the truth reaches them before they are exposed to the drug.
MESA Foundation’s Role
The MESA Foundation plays a significant role in connecting Aztec student-athletes with nonprofits in the San Diego community. Through partnerships facilitated by the foundation, student-athletes can use their name, image, and likeness (NIL) to support charitable causes. The foundation’s involvement in the fentanyl awareness campaign demonstrates the power of leveraging athletes’ influence for the greater good.
Delve deep into your city’s gritty crime tales; click now!
Additional Resources
San Diego County offers fentanyl prevention resources, including community and parent toolkits available in English and Spanish. These toolkits provide information about the risks associated with fentanyl and offer guidance on how to address the issue within the community. By making these resources accessible, the campaign aims to empower individuals and communities to take action against fentanyl.
Acknowledgements
The campaign acknowledges Isabelle Sandmeyer and Studio Isla for their contribution of time and talent to the project. Their dedication and support have been instrumental in bringing the campaign to life. Contact information for the U.S. Attorneys involved in the campaign is provided, ensuring that individuals can reach out for further information or assistance.
In conclusion, the partnership between SDSU basketball stars and the U.S. Attorney’s Office represents a unique and powerful initiative to address the fentanyl crisis. The campaign utilizes social media PSAs and hashtags to raise awareness and promote prevention. By engaging student-athletes, the MESA Foundation, and the community, the campaign aims to educate and empower individuals to combat the dangers of fentanyl.
Eager to uncover your city’s sinister side? Explore the latest crime news here!