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New ad campaign to combat opioid epidemic kicks off
Scott Walker
Anchor
New ad campaign to combat opioid epidemic kicks off
WEBVTT >> OUR ATTEMPT IS TO PULL THE CURTAIN BACK TO REALLY SHOW WHAT THIS LOOKS LIKE AND TO HAVE A CONVERSATION ABOUT HOW ADDICTIVE IT ACTUALLY IS. SULA: IT’S BEING DUBBED A PRESCRIPTION TO THE NATION’S ONGOING OPIOID CRISIS A NEW AD CAMPAIGN WARNING ABOUT THE DANGERS OF ABUSING PAIN KILLERS. SCOTT: IT’S THE FIRST PUBLIC SERVICE CAMPAIGN OF THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION, FEATURING TRUE STORIES ABOUT YOUNG PEOPLE WHO HAVE BATTLED OPIOID ADDICTION. SURGEON GENERAL JEROME ADAMS SAYS THIS CAMPAIGN IS DESIGNED TO BE RAW AND ALARMING, RAISING AWARESS ABOUT OVERPRESCRIBING AND PREVENTION. SOMETHING THAT THE NATION’S TOP DR. HAS DEALT WITH PERSONALLY. >> MY OWN YOUNGER BROTHER IS IN STATE PRISON RIGHT NOW, SUFFERING FROM SUBSTANCE ABUSE DISORDER. HE FIRST GOT STARTED WITH BILLS AT A PARTY. -- PILLS AT A PARTY. SCOTT: THE ADS WERE PRODUCED OVER A SEVEN MONTH PERIOD WITH THE TRUTH CAMPAIGN. THE SAME PEOPLE BEHIND ANTI SMOKING ADS. THEY ARE EXPECTED TO BE ON T
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New ad campaign to combat opioid epidemic kicks off
Scott Walker
Anchor
President Donald Trump's administration has kicked off a new ad campaign aimed at the country's ongoing opioid crisis.The series of advertisements features real-life stories from people struggling with addiction. The campaign was produced by the Truth Initiative, the same group behind the nation's powerful anti-smoking efforts.According to health officials, about 115 people die each day from drug overdoses, which is more than 40,000 a year.U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams said the overdose rate in New Orleans is twice the national average. He said the television campaign is built on the idea of starting a conversation with the country about the complexity of addiction.Watch the video for more information.Keep up with local news, weather and current events with the WDSU app here. Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news right in your inbox. Click here to sign up!
NEW ORLEANS —

President Donald Trump's administration has kicked off a new ad campaign aimed at the country's ongoing opioid crisis.

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The series of advertisements features real-life stories from people struggling with addiction. The campaign was produced by the Truth Initiative, the same group behind the nation's powerful anti-smoking efforts.

According to health officials, about 115 people die each day from drug overdoses, which is more than 40,000 a year.

U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams said the overdose rate in New Orleans is twice the national average. He said the television campaign is built on the idea of starting a conversation with the country about the complexity of addiction.

Watch the video for more information.

Keep up with local news, weather and current events with the WDSU app here. Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news right in your inbox. Click here to sign up!