Counterfeit prescription pills are becoming an increasingly serious threat in our community. Many are laced with illegal fentanyl and other dangerous substances, and too often, people have no idea what’s inside. HC DrugFree is proud to align this year’s PSA category with national public awareness efforts, including the DEA’s One Pill Can Kill campaign, to help prevent overdoses and save lives.
Why This Matters
- -Illegally made fentanyl is frequently added into counterfeit pills that are designed to look like prescription medications such as Adderall, Xanax, and oxycodone.
- -These pills are widely available online and through social media, with no oversight or quality control, meaning a single pill could be lethal.
- -Rising exposures and overdoses from counterfeit pills are being reported among teens, young adults, and older adults alike.
What Your PSA Should Highlight
When creating your PSA, focus on protecting your community and raising awareness. Key messages include:
✔ The dangers of counterfeit pills
✔ How easily fentanyl can be hidden in a pill
✔ How real and widespread this risk is for families
✔ Steps adults and youth can take to prevent tragedies
Additionally, emphasize safe storage of all medications. Properly securing prescription medications at home, including locking up pills and monitoring access, reduces the risk of accidental ingestion, misuse, or diversion among teens and guests.
PSA Submission Requirements
To ensure your PSA is eligible, please follow these HC DrugFree guidelines:
- 1. Spell HC DrugFree correctly on all screens; do not add spaces or modify the name.
- 2. Include a cover screen with HC DrugFree’s logo and a catchy description of your PSA topic.
- 3. End your video with a closing screen featuring HC DrugFree’s logo, contact information (www.hcdrugfree.org and Admin@hcdrugfree.org), and allow it to remain visible for 10–30 seconds.
- 4. Include the names of all student video team members, schools, and any staff involved.
- 5. Videos can be 30 seconds to 2 minutes in length (excluding the final cover screen).
- 6. Submissions missing required information or incorrect logos may be disqualified; edits may be requested after submission.
For full details, download the HC DrugFree Film Category Guidelines.
For more information about counterfeit pill risks and prevention tips, visit the DEA One Pill Can Kill campaign at https://www.dea.gov/onepill and explore additional resources on the HC DrugFree website.
Take action today—help your community stay safe, informed, and empowered.
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