The Kentucky Attorney General’s Office proposed a statewide, youth-focused addiction prevention initiative to the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission on Tuesday.
The commission unanimously approved the two-year, $3.6 million proposal, which is centered around a research-backed youth education campaign.
The campaign, tabbed “Better Without It,” will feature data-driven outreach to engage with young Kentuckians where they are, including on social media, streaming platforms, college campuses, and through partnerships with influencers, according to the attorney general’s office.
The campaign will showcase positive, Kentucky-focused messages designed specifically to encourage young people to fulfill their potential.
The commission and attorney general’s office will partner with prevention experts and creative marketing professionals to build the educational campaign that is compelling to young Kentuckians.
“Our kids are growing up with no margin of error. As little as one pill can – and is – killing our neighbors. Today, the opioid commission joined with our office to build a prevention program that will give young people the encouragement that they are better without it,” Attorney General Russell Coleman said. “We will reach Kentucky’s young people where they are with a message that resonates. I’m grateful to the commission for their strong support for this program that can truly save lives.”
In addition to the education campaign, the prevention program will also promote existing school-based programs and amplify the work of the commission to support youth-focused prevention efforts.
To date, the commission has distributed more than $55 million to combat the drug crisis, directly helping Kentuckians overcome addiction and promote long-term recovery.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
