‘One Pill Will Kill’ Fentanyl Campaign and Student Contest Officially Launches

In a joint effort to protect school communities and raise awareness on the threat of fentanyl, law enforcement and school officials announced the launch of the One Pill Will Kill campaign at a press conference held at the MCOE Downtown Center.

Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, has rapidly emerged as a risk to individuals of all ages, especially in school communities. The One Pill Will Kill campaign aims to empower students, parents, educators and the community at large with the knowledge and tools they need to recognize and prevent fentanyl-related risks.

Merced County District Attorney Nicole Silveira, Merced County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Steve Tietjen and Merced County Sheriff/Coroner Verne Warnke presented campaign details at the press conference.

Funded with asset forfeiture monies, the campaign includes a 30-second commercial which features Silveira, Tietjen and Warnke, as well as California State Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria, Merced City School District Board President Allen Brooks and Merced County Sheriff's Office Lieutenant Raymond Framstad. The campaign includes billboards, social media content and an additional 30-second commercial that highlights details in the student commercial contest.

The contest asks middle and high school students in Merced County to create and submit a commercial that emphasizes the dangers associated with fentanyl for a chance to earn $5,000 for their school site’s anti-drug and anti-gang program. MCOE’s video production team METV will work with the winners to professionally produce their commercial, which will air on local TV stations. 

Entries are due October 13 with the winner announced on October 27. 

Visit mcoe.org/onepill to explore resources and learn more about the campaign and competition.