Substance misuse – including marijuana, vaping products, heroin, prescription opioids and other drugs – remains a serious public health concern across the country and in the Baton Rouge area. Overdose death rates in our region historically have been among the highest in the nation. While overdose deaths have declined recently, reported overdoses are still a significant concern.

The HOPE (Heroin Outreach Prevention and Education) Initiative, a program of Capital Region Crime Stoppers, works to educate the community about substance misuse prevention and the dangers of addiction. This public health crisis affects people of all ages, backgrounds and communities. Together, we can educate one another about the dangers of substance misuse and help those who are struggling, including friends, family members, loved ones and neighbors.

about the Contest

Social media is one of the quickest and most effective ways to raise awareness, especially among teens. Who better to deliver this message than teens themselves?

We invite students in grades 9-12 to form teams to create and submit public service announcement videos. They must be less than 5 minutes to be considered. The videos should focus on the dangers and consequences of using vapes, marijuana, heroin, prescription opioids, fentanyl and/or other drugs. The videos also must reference how being your own “BOSS” helps you overcome the odds and lead a drug-free life.

East Baton Rouge Parish Be A BOSS + HOPE Initiative

Youth Prevention Campaign


Victoria’s Voice Foundation (VVF) is a national nonprofit organization 

dedicated to preventing substance misuse through youth education, 

caregiver engagement, and evidence-based prevention strategies. Founded 

by parents who lost their daughter to an accidental overdose, VVF centers its 

work on early intervention, recognizing that prevention must begin before 

risky behaviors become normalized

The East Baton Rouge Parish Be A BOSS Campaign is a youth prevention and 

engagement initiative aimed at:

• Empowering students to create peer-to-peer prevention messaging

• Encouraging healthy decision-making and substance-free lifestyles

• Increasing awareness of the risks associated with vaping and early 

substance use

• Providing young people with opportunities to become leaders and 

advocates in their communities

• Strengthening school and community partnerships around prevention effort


Hope initiative PSA CONTEST

2026-2027

CONTEST SUBMISSION RELEASE FORM SUBMISSION

PRIZES

  • 1st place $1500
  • 2nd place $1000
  • 3rd place $500

Teachers of the three winning teams will each receive a $100 gift card

DEADLINES AND DATES:

  • July 2026: Campaign launch and school outreach begin as teachers return


  • August 2026: School recruitment and promotional activities

  • September 25, 2026: Student submission deadline

  • Late September 2026: Judging and scoring process

  • October 6, 2026: Awards ceremony and winner announcements.


Sponsored By: