Through the Coaches vs. Overdoses initiative, we are working to educate student athletes and parents about the dangers of opioids and promote the prevention and treatment resources available here in Delaware. I want to thank the many partners of this initiative, including NFL Alumni, and encourage everyone to pick up and learn about our Prevention Playbooks.

Bethany Hall-Long
Ph.D., R.N., Delaware Lt. Governor

As the opioid crisis evolves, so must our response. Increasing the awareness of high school athletes is essential to our efforts. By educating communities, offering support, advocating for change, and practicing prevention, we can make a difference.

Nathaniel McQueen, Jr.
Delaware Secretary of Safety and Homeland Security

DIAA piloted this program at our boys, girls and unified basketball championships in the spring and is pleased to continue this partnership to support the health and safety of our student athletes, their families and fans.

David Baylor
Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association Executive Director

The Coaches vs. Overdoses initiative is a wonderful opportunity for Delaware Goes Purple to raise awareness about the dangers of substance abuse in our community. We are thrilled to join forces with the Coaches vs. Overdoses national campaign to underscore the importance of educating our youth and their families on this very serious issue.

Peggy Geisler
Sussex County Health Coalition Executive Director

DSCYF is a proud partner of the Coaches vs. Overdoses events and believe the Prevention Playbook provides valuable resources and information all families can use. Providing youth and adults information on the facts about substance misuse and educating them on the real dangers of the substances available today can be lifesaving! We encourage adults to talk to kids about substance misuse and urge everyone to safely store prescription medications – and other substances – from easy access, and to destroy any unused medications at home. Prevention works!

Shelly Lazorchak
Director of Prevention Services for the Division of Prevention and Behavioral Health Services, part of the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families.

It is this focus on preparation and defense that makes us proud to join teams with the Frederick County Health Department. Together, we can help stop overdoses from destroying lives through prevention and proper drug disposal

Kevin Kendro
Frederick County Public Schools Supervisor of Athletics and Extracurricular Activities.

We are excited to partner with Frederick County Public Schools on this initiative. This is an opportunity to spread the word about the right way to dispose of medications to prevent overdoses. This is one more way we’re working to keep our community safe and healthy.

Andrea Walker
Director of the Local Behavior Health Authority at the Frederick County Health Department

Coaches vs. Overdoses is an innovative program that helps us easily inform our parents and our students about the dangers of opioids and fentanyl while also helping provide access to proper drug disposal to reduce the risk at home. McKinney ISD is eager to help expand and accelerate this program and provide its best-in-class prevention playbook to as many families as possible.

Shawn Pratt
Superintendent, McKinney Texas Independent School District

I’m proud to help promote the South Carolina Athletic Coaches Association “Coaches vs. Overdoses” program — a simple, evidence-based prevention, education, and drug disposal campaign taking place this week leading up to National Drug Take Back Day. Let’s do all we can to keep our kids safe.

Pam Evette
South Carolina Lieutenant Governor

I joined Frederick County Community Executive Jessica Fitzwater at Urbana High School to support the Coaches vs. Overdoses program and distribute safe medication disposal kits. During National Youth Substance Use Prevention Month, this program will help our community fight against the opioid epidemic.

Aruna Miller
Maryland Lt. Governor

Coaches vs. Overdoses helps to fight back and save lives. Often, opioid abuse starts young. Having coaches recognize the signs of opioid use in their student-athletes is crucial, and I’m proud to support their efforts.

Alan Wilson
South Carolina Attorney General

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