Why PSAs?

DontChooseDeath.org believes that PSAs are effective in dissuading young impressionable members of our community from taking the first steps into drug use.  While the causes of the drug overdose epidemic may be multiple, complex and diverse across societal demographics, the first step ultimately leading to a drug overdose death is always the decision of  an impressionable (often) young person to try drugs for the first time.  

While the effectiveness of previous anti drug PSAs was criticized in the past - resulting in their falling out of favor - DontChooseDeath.org believes that PSAs can work as an effective messaging tool - if done properly.  The  table below shows  the "accidental" deaths  processed by the Hamilton County, Ohio Coroner's office in 2021. Overdose deaths were  59% (515/870)  of all unnatural deaths in which there was no intent to cause harm.  That's 10 senseless deaths per week in just one mid-sized county of one mid-sized US state.* 

Young people today are surrounded by false messaging promoting the benefits of legalized drugs and minimizing the dangers of drug use in general.  Just a few examples: 

                               "Weed is safe"   "You can quit any time you want."    "Pills are safe" 

                      "Only poor people get addicted"  "Drugs are OK unless you are mainlining." 

Unless tragedy has directly impacted their immediate social circle, most young people do not have accurate information to make reasonable and informed decisions.  While the criticisms of previous PSAs may or may not have some merit, the current lack of PSAs is clearly not working.  

We need to do better.  Reimagined, accurate, credible, non-stigmatizing PSAs should empower kids with information and affirm their agency for autonomous personal decision-making they will look back on with pride when they are older.

*https://www.hamiltoncountyohio.gov/government/departments/coroner/reports___publications accessed 8/31/2022.