The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) has initiated a youth-led opioid awareness campaign designed to educate and empower young residents.
The campaign, a collaboration between the Health Department's Harm Reduction Program and the Youth Leadership Institute (yli), aims to combat the opioid epidemic through creative, youth-driven initiatives.
Want to get caught up on what's happening in SoCal every weekday afternoon? Click to follow The L.A. Local wherever you get podcasts.
The campaign will engage young people aged 14 to 18 in after-school multimedia workshops, where they will develop skills in storytelling and media creation.
Participants will create social media messaging and educational, self-published works that explore the opioid epidemic, its impact, and strategies for prevention and support.
These zines will be showcased in community spaces, libraries, and online platforms, amplifying youth voices and raising awareness.
"Engaging and uplifting youth is our City's priority," said Mayor Rex Richardson. "This opioid awareness campaign will protect our young residents by providing them with vital education and prevention techniques, as well as a platform for their voices to be heard. By engaging youth in this meaningful work, we are fostering a sense of community and building a generation of informed leaders who are equipped to tackle the challenges ahead."
The campaign will expand in July 2025 to include young adults aged 18 to 24, with details to be released in the coming weeks.
Dr. Anissa Davis, City Health Officer, emphasized the importance of reaching young people with relevant and engaging approaches, stating, "Raising awareness about the opioid epidemic among young people is a critical part of our prevention efforts. This campaign allows us to engage youth where they are by utilizing creative and culturally relevant approaches to deliver education and awareness in an engaging and interactive way."
Youth, particularly those from communities of color and those impacted by the opioid crisis, are encouraged to apply. Applications are due by 7 p.m. on March 21, 2025, and can be submitted through the Youth Leadership Institute's website.
Questions can be directed to comar@yli.org. The California Opioid Settlements funds the campaign. For more information about the Health Department's Harm Reduction Program, visit longbeach.gov/harmreduction.
Follow KNX News 97.1 FM
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok
