In August, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) emphasizes Friends for Life, a statewide campaign to help young people and the adults who care about them talk openly about opioids like fentanyl and other drugs. The campaign comes as communities work together to prevent overdoses, strengthen protection for youth, and ensure every person has the tools to stay safe.
This month also includes International Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 31, a day of remembrance, education, and action. Friends for Life offers timely, practical resources to help families and communities engage in conversations that can save lives as we recognize International Overdose Awareness Day.
What is Friends for Life?
Friends for Life is a communications campaign adapted for Oregon from the Washington State Health Care Authority. It provides clear, supportive information tailored to young people ages 13 to 25, as well as parents, caregivers, educators, and trusted adults. The campaign focuses on:
- Understanding opioids like fentanyl and how they affect Oregon communities
- Helping teens avoid fake pills and opioids
- Preventing overdose and recognizing the signs
- Learning how to use naloxone
- Supporting recovery
The campaign focuses on positive messaging, avoiding fear and stigma, and encourages simple actions people can take to protect their friends, families, and communities.
Why we need Friends for Life
Although youth account for a small percentage of overdose deaths—4 percent in 2024—every life lost is devastating. In Oregon, overdose deaths decreased from 106 in 2023 to 59 in 2024, but there is still work to do. More than half of youth overdoses happen when someone else is present, meaning there is often an opportunity to call 911 and administer naloxone.
Friends for Life is Oregon’s first youth-focused prevention campaign. By investing in this effort, OHA and ODE hope to help communities prevent drug use before it starts and ensure people have the tools they need to stay safe.
Friends for Life is part of Oregon’s larger overdose prevention strategy, which includes funding for local prevention and treatment programs, peer services, and building Behavioral Health Regional Networks in every Oregon county.