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We’d love to talk to you about our work. For media inquiries please contact:
Lauren Breig (she/her)
Overdose Reporting Guidelines
Substance use can be a complex, if not controversial, topic, and media professionals cannot be expected to be content experts in all things. At PreventEd, we are trained to know and understand the subtleties and sensitivities that come with translating health information to the general public. The responsibility rests on us to enable and equip media to get the message right.
PreventEd has developed recommended guidelines for reporting on overdoses. Substance use disorder should, to the greatest extent possible, be discussed as a public health issue and not an individual failing. Informed reporting can reduce harm and possibly do good by reinforcing messages that treatment works, recovery is possible, and most importantly, there is hope.
Reporting Suggestions
- Photos/Video
- Avoid use of triggering substance use-related imagery (i.e., cooking drugs in a spoon)
- Avoid B-roll of a stereotypical scene (impoverished neighborhood, etc.)
- DO NOT USE PHOTOS/VIDEOS OF THE OVERDOSE.
- Speak with a substance use or public health professional, versus a first responder or law enforcement officer.
- Report on overdoses and substance use disorder as a public health issue.
- If you suspect someone is experiencing an overdose, call 911 immediately.
- Offer Hope
- Treatment works. Recovery is possible. Overdoses don’t have to be fatal.
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Franklin County Peer Support
100 East Main St., Suite B
Union, MO 63084
Lincoln County
203A Community Bank Plaza
Troy, MO 63379
“I didn’t know that everyone has risk factors that affect drug use. Now that I do, I’m really trying to incorporate that into my life to keep me on pace and stay away from drugs and drug use.”
Adolescent, 17
“Students in my class have increased their empathy and reduced their angry outbursts.”
Teacher
“I have seen students using the vocabulary, acknowledging peer pressure, and be willing to problem-solve with peer conflicts.”
Teacher
“I am profoundly grateful for your unwavering support and expertise in guiding my child towards recovery. Your dedication and professionalism have been instrumental in this life-changing journey. My child’s newfound sobriety stands as a testament to your remarkable efforts."
Parent of Adolescent
"It was very informative and I learned more about the brain and how it's affected by substances. I'm definitely going to apply what I've learned in my everyday life."
Adolescent, 17
“This program has been so good for my child. He learned a lot. His focus now will be doing better in school and working to save money. Thank you for all the support at a time that I didn’t know how to deal with this.”
