2023-2024 School PSA Video Contest
*Registration Now Open*

Crime Stoppers of Houston is hosting their 5^th Annual Public Service Announcement (PSA) video contest for Houston-area high school students. The 2023-2024 #PreventToProtect campaign aims to educate the public about the seriousness of substance use and bringing awareness to the unfortunate reality students and school staff are faced with daily on campuses.

Substance use prevention, especially with a heightened emphasis on fentanyl, is of paramount importance to high school students. As young individuals in the process of shaping their futures, they face a unique set of challenges and temptations. Understanding the gravity of substance abuse, particularly the dangers posed by fentanyl, is crucial for their well-being and the well-being of their peers. Fentanyl, with its potency and lethal potential (only takes 2 mg to overdose, sizable to two grains of salt), demands heightened awareness and vigilance. By educating high school students about the risks associated with fentanyl and other substances, we empower them to make informed decisions, protect themselves, and support their friends and classmates. This knowledge is not just about avoiding immediate harm; it’s about fostering a culture of responsibility, empathy, and resilience. 

We believe that the power of youth can make a lasting impact on our communities, and this contest is designed to harness that potential. Substance use, especially the spread of fentanyl, poses a significant threat to our society, and we’re calling on high school students to be part of the solution.

Our contest #PreventToProtect encourages students to create powerful and persuasive 60 second PSA video that raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and other substances. By participating, students have the opportunity not only to express their creativity but also to educate their peers and the wider community about the risks associated with fentanyl use.

The team PSA submissions should address one or all of these campaign focal points:

• How risk factors and/or peer pressure can contribute to substance use / risky decision making
• Warning signs in friends, peers, or classmates of potential substance use
• Psychological and emotional consequences for the person using substances, close friends, family, classmates, etc.
• Legal consequences for perpetrators actions and involvement

Participants will have the chance to win exciting prizes, gain recognition for their work, and, most importantly, contribute to the greater good by helping to combat the fentanyl epidemic. Together, we can create a safer and healthier future for our communities. Join us in this important mission to prevent substance use and raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl. Your voice matters, and together, we can make a difference.