PROVIDENCE – State officials are targeting teenagers through a new app designed to inform young people about risky substance use, including opioids, and the importance of emotional health.
Full Energy, No Drugs is part of a campaign launched in partnership by the R.I. Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals and Preventum Initiative Inc., a national nonprofit.
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FEND is designed to appeal to 15- to 18-year-olds who may be dealing with mental health or substance use issues.
Rhode Island is the first state to launch the campaign, which is funded by the federal State Opioid Response Grant.
“BHDDH is excited to support the FEND campaign, which will provide Rhode Island [youths] with necessary knowledge and resources to combat the opioid epidemic,” said Rebecca Boss, BHDDH director. “This effort completely aligns with the updated strategic plan of the governor’s Overdose Prevention and Intervention Task Force, which increases focus on primary prevention strategies. Achieving long-lasting success on the opioid epidemic and addiction crisis requires us to equip our [youths] with skills and resiliency to avoid substance misuse altogether. We believe FEND will help us reach this goal.”
Teens using the app can earn points that can be redeemed for items such as streetwear, concert and movie tickets. The campaign runs through the fall. High schools can also qualify to enter a competition to receive money to be used for scholarships or school equipment.
To enter, schools are required to submit a short video featuring teens who learned something on FEND.
The app can be downloaded for free from the Apple and Google Play stores.
To find out more about the high school video campaign or the FEND Rhode Island campaign, go to www.wearefend.org/rhode-island-video-competition.
