Erie County Opiate Epidemic Task Force launches 'Hope and Help' campaign

Community education and awareness committee challenges Erie County youth to create 30-second video PSAs

The Erie County Opiate Task Force’s Community Education and Awareness Committee has launched the “Hope and Help” Campaign. As the community continues to adjust to a “new normal” during the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in the number of opiate overdoses and deaths.

In an effort to let those who are struggling with substance use disorder know that resources are available, this committee is calling on young people in the community to get creative, and to create 30-second video messages that answer the question, “What message do you want someone who is struggling to hear from you?”

Participants are being asked to create a 30-second video public service announcement focusing on one of four themes:

•Life Has Changed

•Overdoses Have Increased

•Help Is Available

•There Is Hope

Entries and any questions should be emailed to: [email protected]. The deadline is Nov. 20. Participants have the opportunity to win prizes including an iPad, Fitbit, wireless speakers and headphones.

PSAs will be featured on YouTube and Facebook for the Erie County Opiate Task Force. They will also be shared and posted by schools, agencies and community coalitions on their websites as well as other social media platforms, and will be distributed to the media.

The campaign is being sponsored by the Erie County Opiate Epidemic Task Force, Lakeshore Middle School, United Financial Services, and the Daniel J. Adamczyk Foundation.

Each entry must be accompanied by a media release form found here:

https://www2.erie.gov/health/index.php?q=opiate-epidemic-task-force

For more information on the ECDOH Opiate Epidemic Task Force, visit www.erie.gov/opioidtrainings. Text for Narcan: 716-225-5473.