Coaches vs Overdoses

Dear Coaches,

The Kentucky High School Coaches Association (KHSCA) recognizes the devastating toll the fentanyl crisis has on our communities. As leaders in athletics and education, we have a unique platform to address this issue. We are committed to equipping our coaches with the necessary tools to educate both their athletes and communities about the dangers of overdoses and the steps they can take to prevent misuse.

To amplify this effort, KHSCA has proudly partnered with the Safety Blitz Foundation to create the Coaches vs. Overdoses program. Their research shows over 65% of teens are less likely to misuse prescription drugs if they are aware of the dangers and omnipresence of fentanyl in counterfeit products sold on the streets like fake pills and illegal vapes. This initiative is designed to provide coaches with simple, evidence-based resources to help spread critical messages about fentanyl misuse and overdose prevention. The program offers:

• Comprehensive prevention and education materials tailored for coaches, athletes, and families.
• Public service announcements (PSAs) from Hall of Fame athletes who share personal stories and highlight the urgency of the crisis.

The Coaches vs. Overdoses campaign has the power to save lives through increased education and proactive outreach. We are asking our coaches to help lead the way by considering the following actions during the upcoming football season:

• Select a football game in this season to highlight overdose prevention efforts and dedicate it to raising awareness.
• Distribute and display QR codes at the game that link directly to the Prevention Playbook. These can be posted in locker rooms, concession stands, and public areas for both athletes and parents to easily access.
• Use PA announcements and video board PSAs during games to reinforce the overdose prevention message and drive home the importance of taking action.We appreciate your unwavering dedication to KHSCA, your athletes, and your communities. By participating in this campaign, you are not only providing education but potentially saving lives. Thank you for your leadership and your role in ensuring the health and safety of our student athletes.

Jeff Marksberry
KHSCA Executive Director

Coaches vs Overdoses: Tackle Fentanyl and Defeat Overdoses Campaign

Help tackle fentanyl and defeat overdoses with Coaches vs. Overdoses initiative. The program combines awareness, education, and prevention to help coaches, parents, community members, and student athletes.

HOW YOU CAN JOIN THE CAMPAIGN

• Speak to your team about opioids, fentanyl, and fake pills and share Prevention Playbook materials with parents.
• Designate a game during your sports’ season to spotlight your team’s efforts to combat overdoses and tackle fentanyl. *Your date is flexible.
• Customize your Public Address and Video PSAs.
• Invite an honorary captain for the game.
• Send out a press release about the campaign and add it to your website.
• Post about the game on your team or school’s social media and encourage community members to create their own messages.
• Use the suggested language below to spread awareness among students, parents, educators, and the community.