On a lively Wednesday afternoon in Dover, New Hampshire, a group of dedicated kids and teenagers took to the streets to raise awareness about the dangers of counterfeit pills. This public awareness campaign, initiated by Dover Youth to Youth, aims to educate the community about the potentially deadly risks of fake medications laced with fentanyl.
Rising sixth-grader Hunter Stevens was at the forefront, engaging with passersby about the hazards of counterfeit pills. He was accompanied by peers like Freya Seeley, who held informative posters, and Addy Cote, a rising ninth-grader providing guidance. The event also attracted adults such as Mike Parsons, a drug and alcohol prevention coordinator from Kansas, who observed the program's impactful methods.
The Boston Globe news site reported that the young advocates displayed hand-drawn posters with powerful messages: "Drug dealers are not doctors," "Fake pills = real danger," and warnings about fentanyl, a synthetic opioid responsible for numerous overdose deaths. Demonstrators used giant pencils with tiny cotton puffs on the tips to illustrate that even a small amount of fentanyl—just 2 milligrams—can be fatal, as highlighted by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Thirteen-year-old Megan Merrigan, speaking at a press conference, emphasized the personal toll these substances have on their peers. “We see these substances harming our friends and peers in our schools. It’s crucial for us as youth to share this message,” she said, underscoring the immediate relevance and urgency of their mission.
Dover Youth to Youth has a history of impactful advocacy. Last summer, the program addressed concerns over alcoholic drinks marketed with cartoon drawings, potentially appealing to children. This campaign led to Democratic Senator David Watters of Dover proposing a bill to ban such marketing, though it did not pass. Megan, a veteran of last year’s campaign, noted that while this year’s effort currently lacks state-level policy messages, she and her peers remain open to engaging with policymakers about these critical issues.
The program’s influence extends beyond New Hampshire. Observers from other states, including Mike Parsons, recognize its innovative and effective approach. Parsons expressed his intent to incorporate some of Dover’s strategies into Kansas’s prevention efforts, highlighting the program's national impact.
As the battle against counterfeit pills continues, the youth of Dover exemplify the power of young people in public health advocacy. Their commitment, creativity, and firsthand experiences underscore the importance of education and awareness in preventing drug-related tragedies. Dover Youth to Youth stands as a model for communities nationwide, demonstrating how empowering youth can make a significant difference in the fight against drug misuse and counterfeit medications.
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