BREAKING: The City of Mesa has just announced a critical educational campaign aimed at addressing the escalating youth opioid crisis. In partnership with The Be Kind People Project, Mesa is set to launch the “Be Aware. Be Strong. Be HealthyTM Mesa” initiative, targeting students, educators, and parents across Mesa Public Schools and other local institutions.
This urgent campaign is funded by Mesa’s share of the national opioid settlement, totaling $4.7 million. It aims to equip youth with the resilience needed to resist drug and opioid temptations, a pressing concern as the opioid epidemic continues to devastate families and communities across Arizona.
Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman emphasized the unique nature of this initiative, stating, “This is a one-of-a-kind effort that invests in prevention by reaching children where they are.” He added that the campaign aims to strengthen community foundations by building confidence and resilience among the younger population.
The initiative is not only focused on immediate outreach but also complements a broader $1 million community grant program, which supports seven organizations, including Jacob’s Hope, aimed at helping opioid-impacted newborns. Mayor Freeman’s proactive measures highlight the city’s commitment to education and prevention in tackling the opioid crisis.
“The opioid epidemic continues to devastate families and communities throughout Arizona,” said Marcia Meyer, Founder and CEO of The Be Kind People Project. “By reaching children and families early, we empower Mesa’s students to make safe, healthy choices.”
The campaign will introduce evidence-based, age-appropriate content focused on promoting healthy practices and emotional strength. Renee Parker, Director of Community Partnerships for Mesa Public Schools, expressed gratitude for the city’s support, emphasizing the potential for significant outreach through engaging public service announcements.
This initiative marks a pivotal step in Mesa’s approach to combat the opioid crisis, with the city positioned as the second-largest recipient of opioid settlement funds in Maricopa County. The community can expect to see impactful educational materials designed to resonate with youth and promote informed decision-making.
Mark your calendars! The official launch event for The Be Kind People Project will take place on October 22, 2023, at the Arizona Museum of Natural History. Media representatives are invited to witness this important announcement firsthand and can RSVP by emailing [email protected].
As Mesa takes these bold steps, the focus on prevention and education is more crucial than ever. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops and see how the Mesa community rallies to combat the youth opioid crisis.
