Vancouver’s Prevent Coalition in partnership with other prevention coalitions in SW Washington are launching an ad campaign based on Washington State Health Care Authority’s (HCA) opioid awareness effort, Starts with One.
Approaching its fourth year, the grant-funded campaign is designed to educate people of all ages about how to keep their friends and family safe from prescription opioid misuse by focusing on having honest conversations and how to safely store and dispose of medications.
In Washington state, prescription pain medications are responsible for more accidental deaths than guns or car crashes. Additionally, according to the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration, kids are 50 percent less likely to use drugs when parents talk to them about the risks.
“Opioid misuse affects people of all ages and is the leading cause of injury-related deaths in our state,” explained Kelley Groen-Sieckmann, Community Prevention Project Specialist at the Prevent Coalition. “When it comes to protecting loved ones and the environment from the dangers of prescription opioids, we all play a role in being part of the solution.”
Digital and print ads for the Starts with One campaign will appear in local publications beginning this week in Clark, Skamania and Klickitat counties. Prevention Coalitions from across the region will be featuring the ads on their social media channels and sharing practical tips for safeguarding medications and for taking the next step to have honest conversations with friends and family about the dangers of prescription opioids.
“Prevention begins with just one step. One act of courage. One honest conversation. The one who can make a difference is you,” said Groen-Sieckmann.
Learn more about the campaign and download materials at GetTheFactsRx.com. If you or a loved one has a substance use disorder and need help, please call the Washington Recovery Help Line any time for free, confidential and emotional support as well as crisis intervention and referrals at 1-866-789-1511. Need to dispose of unused or expired medication? Find a take-back program near you at TakeBackYourMeds.org.
About Prevent Coalition:
Supported by the fiscal agent ESD 112, Prevent Coalition is a community coalition formed in 2003 to increase collaboration, awareness, and reduce youth substance use in Southwest Washington. Prevent also implements initiatives for rural communities across Washington state. As a community mobilizer, we’re creating a culture promoting healthy choices; advocating for policies and regulations that protect, empower and nurture youth; and facilitating positive opportunities for youth to be involved and thrive. For more info, visit www.preventcoalition.org.
