One in four Americans has been affected by the opioid crisis, but according to a poll conducted by the National Safety Council (NSC), 40 percent still don’t see it as a threat to their family. In an effort to decrease those affected and increase awareness of the crisis’ impact on communities throughout the country, Digilant has partnered with the NSC on their Stop Everyday Killers campaign. Although it can be a very difficult subject to broach, like any problem, it won’t get solved until it’s been recognized and addressed.
The campaign is part of a larger public awareness initiative that seeks to help educate people about the risks of using opioids and encourages people to explore alternative pain treatment. Centered around a powerful short film that brings opioid users face to face with those who’ve been affected by this drug crisis, the NSC’s campaign is highly impactful. It’s filmed inside of the Prescribed to Death Memorial, which opened its doors to the public on November 10th to remember the 22,000 people whose lives were taken last year as a result of the opioid crisis. Currently located in Chicagos’ Wicker Park with 22,000 faces printed onto pills along a wall, the memorial will be making its way to Atlanta, Ohio, Pittsburgh, and Washington D.C. in the coming months. However, the Digilant Cares U.S. Team wants to ensure that this message reaches as many people as possible. For this reason, Digilant has launched a two week a pro bono programmatic campaign in which 30 second clips from the short film will be nationally distributed across display inventory.
It’s particularly important that this campaign runs during the holidays, because of the feelings that this time of year can evoke for those at risk of opioid abuse.
Many gatherings this holiday season are accompanied with stress, drinking, and isolation or reconnection with unhealthy relationships. In addition to generating awareness, the NSC has taken direct action to stop the unnecessary prescribing of opioids. Their new “Opioid: Warn Me” labels for insurance and pharmacy cards are serving as reminders for prescribers to discuss any potential pain treatment involving opioids before the patient decides on his or her preferred route of treatment.
A few additional statistics from this year’s NSC Survey on the crisis can be found below:
- Nearly 60% of opioid painkiller users don’t know that sharing them is a felony
- 1 out of 3 prescription opioid users don’t even know they’re taking opioids
- Half of all opioid addictions start out with valid prescriptions
See the entire video below and find out how you can help spread the word this holiday season starting on social media using the hashtag, #stopeverydaykillers. To donate and help the NSC continue their vitally imporant work, visit here.