District-Wide PSA Competition for Fentanyl & Drug Prevention

Though drug use is an essential aspect of the medicinal field, its misuse poses a significant risk to us as students. Every day, it seems like a new teen overdose case comes out, and it is truly frightening that this is tossed to the side. One of the factors in these overdoses is the rise of fentanyl, which has been occasionally crushed and integrated into other drugs that are less fatal. Fentanyl, classified as an opioid analgesic, also known as pain medication, has led to “a rising trend of teen overdoses, nearly quadrupling for those age 15 to 24 from 2018 through 2022,” according to a study by researcher Noa Krawczyk at the NYU Grossman School of Public Health. 

The bottom line is that students are victims, but we are also our own saviors. Drug use is not new in teens, and its normalization has to be called out. Adults can fund drug prevention campaigns and tell us why they believe drugs are horrible, but no matter what happens, it persists. Real change can come if we stand for each other. 

Fortunately, the district has offered a largely student-led PSA Competition to allow students to have their voices heard and their stories told. This opportunity is open to all middle/high schools in the Hart District. Students, either alone or in a group, must create a two to three-minute PSA highlighting fentanyl’s dangers and focus on prevention, education, and community impact to promote safe choices. Submissions are due on January 12, 2026, while the award ceremony will be held on January 23, 2026 at Valencia Theater. Up to $1000 will be awarded in prize money to the top five contestants! All information and deadlines can be found at https://linktr.ee/fentanyldocu!