Dose of Prevention Challenge

Did you know that one in 27 youth ages 12 through 17 has misused cough medicine to get high from its dextromethorphan ingredient, and one in three young adults has misused a prescription drug?

This National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month, help raise awareness of the dangers of prescription (Rx) drug and over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicine misuse by taking part in the Dose of Prevention Challenge.

There are many ways coalitions can take part in the Dose of Prevention Challenge. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Host an awareness campaign on your social media platforms and track your engagements
• Hold an in-person or virtual town-hall or meeting with your community about OTC and cough medicine misuse
• Implement an integrated marketing and communications campaign (e.g., campaign could include media outreach, PSA placements, ad buys, social media activity, etc.)
• Hold an innovative contest (e.g., a middle school essay contest that encourages youth to write about why they are inspired to live substance free)

When planning Dose of Prevention Challenge activities, please follow state and local laws, rules and regulations that are in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and consider local transmission rates.

To qualify, your coalition must implement one of the above activities. However, coalitions can increase their odds of winning by implementing multiple activities!

Here are a few other requirements:

• Event(s) must take place during the month of October 2023, which is National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month
• All activities must address BOTH prescription drug and over-the-counter cough medicine misuse
• You must distribute the Preventing Teen Cough Medicine Abuse brochure, available in English and Spanish

Those who enter the Dose of Prevention Challenge are eligible to win:

First Place

• Wins the prestigious Dose of Prevention Award and is honored at CADCA’s National Leadership Forum in National Harbor, MD, happening January 29-February 1, 2024
• A full scholarship to Forum (covers registration and travel expenses)
• Receives a $1,500 cash award for their coalition
• Recognition in CADCA’s publications

Second Place

• Receives one Forum registration
• Recognition in CADCA’s publications

Third Place

• Receives one Forum registration
• Recognition in CADCA’s publications

Here are a few requirements:

• It must take place during the month of October, National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month.
• All activities must address BOTH prescription drug abuse and over-the-counter cough medicine abuse.
• You must distribute the Preventing Teen Cough Medicine Abuse brochure, available in English and Spanish at: https://stopmedicineabuse.org/tools-to-take-action/

So, are you up for the challenge? If so, please complete the form below. The deadline to submit is Friday, November 3, 2023.