The Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission gave the green light Wednesday to funding for a new statewide campaign, Better Without It, aimed at raising youth awareness about the dangers of opioid use. Attorney General Russell Coleman presented the two-year, $3.6 million proposal at the Commission’s September meeting.
“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,” Coleman said in a news release. “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.”
Better Without It is a Florida-based initiative focused on promoting healthy lifestyles and educating young people about the negative impacts of drug and alcohol abuse. The campaign utilizes various platforms and strategies to disseminate its message, including social media, podcasts, documentaries, and community outreach programs.
Coleman said his office and the Commission will work with prevention experts and marketing professionals to develop compelling educational content for Kentucky’s youth.
The Better Without It campaign is being funded by money from national opioid settlement agreements, which were reached with pharmaceutical companies and distributors accused of fueling the opioid crisis. Kentucky has received millions of dollars through these settlements, with half going to the state for distribution by the Commission and the other half going to local governments.
