17 hours ago2 min read

Empowering Alaska's Youth to Save Lives: "One Pill Can Kill – Alaska" Media Campaign Competition

Fentanyl has become a growing threat to communities across the nation, including here in Alaska. To combat this crisis and raise awareness among young people, the "One Pill Can Kill – Alaska" Media Campaign Competition is calling on high school students to take the lead in educating their peers about the dangers of fentanyl and non-prescription drug use.

This innovative competition gives Alaska's youth the opportunity to make a difference while gaining valuable skills in media, public affairs, and community outreach.

What is the Competition About?

The competition invites groups of high school students to develop and launch a media campaign that targets their fellow students. The campaigns should emphasize the theme “One Pill Can Kill” and include:

The dangers of fentanyl.
The risks of using non-prescription drugs.
The importance of staying informed and seeking help.

Campaigns can take many creative forms, such as:

Posters displayed in hallways.
Advertisements in student newspapers.
Social media videos and online content.

Who Can Participate?

Eligibility: Open to all Alaska high school students, including those who are homeschooled.
Team Requirements: Each campaign must involve at least two students.
Multiple Submissions: Schools are encouraged to submit one campaign per school but may submit more.

How to Enter the Competition

Launch Your Campaign: Spread the message using your chosen platform.
Submit a Report: Provide a detailed explanation of your campaign to Senator Sullivan’s communications team, including materials and what your team learned. A link to submit reports will be available on Senator Sullivan’s website in February.

Judging Criteria

Entries will be evaluated on the following:

Effectiveness: How well does the campaign communicate its message?
Target Audience: Does the campaign successfully reach high school students?
Messaging: Is the “One Pill Can Kill – Alaska” theme incorporated?
Creativity: Are the ideas innovative and engaging?
Accuracy: Are facts about fentanyl and its risks well-researched?
Lessons Learned: Does the team reflect on what they gained from the experience?

What’s at Stake?

While all campaigns will be featured on Senator Sullivan’s website, the winning team will collaborate with his communications team to create public service announcements. These announcements will be shared across Alaska on social media, local television, radio, and print media, amplifying the winning campaign’s reach and impact.

Important Dates

Report Submission Deadline: February 28, 2025
Winners Announced: March 14, 2025

Why This Matters

Fentanyl is an incredibly dangerous substance, and just one pill can be deadly. This competition empowers Alaska’s youth to take a stand against the fentanyl crisis, using their creativity and passion to make a real difference in their communities.

By participating, students will not only raise awareness but also gain valuable experience in teamwork, media creation, and advocacy. Together, we can save lives and help protect Alaska’s future.

Are you ready to make an impact? Start planning your campaign today! For more details, visit Senator Sullivan’s website.