Key points
- Prescription opioids can be addictive and dangerous.
- CDC’s Rx Awareness campaign tells the stories of people whose lives were impacted by prescription opioids.
- There is hope. Recovery is possible.
Overview
CDC’s Rx Awareness campaign tells the stories of people whose lives were impacted by prescription opioids. The goals of the campaign are to increase awareness that prescription opioids can be addictive and dangerous, to reinforce that help is available for those with an opioid use disorder, and to encourage those struggling with prescription opioids to visit the campaign website to locate help and resources. Rx Awareness launched in 2017 and focuses on adults ages 25–54 who have taken opioids for medical use or have misused opioids at least once.
Expanding messages and reach
In 2019, CDC filmed and captured more real stories to add to the suite of campaign materials. The new ads focus on specific audiences adversely impacted by the opioid overdose epidemic, including pregnant women, veterans, younger adults (25-to-34-year-olds), older adults (45-to-54-year-olds), and American Indians/Alaska Natives. State and local health departments and community organizations can use the tested Rx Awareness campaign materials and resources to launch campaigns, support local prevention activities, and raise awareness about the risks of prescription opioids.
How you can help
The CDC Rx Awareness Executive Summary offers guidance and support for implementing the campaign and communicating about the dangers of prescription opioids. Use the resource to:
- Learn about available campaign resources.
- Share campaign materials in your community.
- Promote the campaign online, in print, radio, and media.
- Evaluate your efforts in raising awareness of the opioid overdose epidemic.
Stories
Real stories from real people who have shared their personal accounts about experiences with prescription opioids.
Resources
Campaign trailer
Rx Awareness campaign materials
- Download Rx Awareness campaign materials on CDC's Overdose Resource Exchange.
- Rx Awareness YouTube playlist