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About Be Aware. Be Strong. Be Healthy™ Mesa

Be Aware. Be Strong. Be Healthy Mesa is a youth-focused initiative that empowers students, parents, and educators to recognize the risks of opioids and counterfeit pills, promote mental wellness, and take action.

The City of Mesa has partnered with The Be Kind People Project to develop and deliver consistent, evidence-based prevention educational content through this website, on social media, and in Mesa Public Schools. The materials emphasize healthy habits, confidence, and resilience—protective factors shown to reduce the likelihood of future substance use.

Brought to you by

City of Mesa logo
The Be Kind People Project logo

Our overarching vision is to prevent youth substance use through positive, age-appropriate, anti-stigma messaging that fosters informed decision-making and emotional resilience across youth, families, schools, and the wider community.

The Urgency of Prevention

Be Aware. Be Strong. Be Healthy Mesa addresses a critical public health crisis impacting local youth. Prevention is vital because 300 lives are lost daily to overdose in the United States.

The crisis is particularly urgent in Arizona where Maricopa County ranks among the top three counties in the country for adolescent overdose deaths.

High-Risk Behaviors
  • 13 is the average age of first-time drug and alcohol use.
  • A startling 9 out of 10 addictions begin during the teen years.
  • According to the 2024 Arizona Youth Survey that collected data from 42,000 students in 255 public schools across the state:
    • 21% of Arizona high school students report using tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, a rate 30% higher than the national average.
    • Alcohol and marijuana use remain prevalent, underscoring the link between emotional distress and substance misuse.
    • Early nicotine use is a major risk factor for subsequent opioid misuse and dependence.
Fentanyl Danger
  • Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid up to 100 times stronger than morphine.
  • Alarmingly, 5 out of 10 fake pills—which look nearly indistinguishable from real prescriptions—contain a deadly dose of fentanyl.
  • Despite this, 67% of 12th graders do not believe prescription narcotics are risky.
Mental Health Factors
  • These risks are underscored by Arizona residents’ mental health struggles, where 36% of adolescents reported poor mental health in the past 30 days, and 24% contemplated suicide within the past year.

Behind every number is a student, a friend, a child. The good news is that prevention saves lives, as studies show 83% of teens are less likely to misuse pills after learning the facts.

Our Approach

When students receive consistent, evidence-based prevention programming, lives are saved. Be Aware. Be Strong. Be Healthy Mesa blends prevention science, positive youth development research, national toolkits, and the proven arts-based engagement of THE BE KIND CREW® to inspire youth, support families, and strengthen our community. This campaign aims to provide positive and proactive solutions for K-12 students that help to build self-confidence and resilience so they have the knowledge (Be Aware), fortitude (Be Strong), and habits (Be Healthy) to avoid opioids and other drugs. This approach relies on three proven practices.

Phased Outreach

New materials will be released throughout the school year, ensuring consistent visibility and sustained impact. Unlike many existing programs, this approach provides the repetition and relatability needed to truly make a difference. 

Tiered Messaging

Content is tailored for elementary, middle, and high school students, as well as caregivers and educators. Each group can access age-appropriate, relevant prevention information designed to meet their developmental needs and daily realities. 

Relationship-Driven

By focusing on connection and trust, we empower students to lean on trusted adults, while encouraging positive outlets in art, music, sports, and dance. This approach helps students think twice about risky behaviors while building resilience, confidence, purpose and passion for a healthier future.

For Students

Learn. Choose. Lead.

Every individual has the power to make safe, healthy choices—for themselves and their friends. BeHealthyMesa.org provides tools for K-12 students, tiered by grade level, equipping them to grow into thriving teens and adults who are better prepared to resist the pressures of drug and opioid use.

  • Stay informed: Learn the facts about fentanyl and fake pills. Even one pill can be deadly.
  • Be a leader: Speak up when something doesn’t feel right. Your voice can save lives.
  • Take care of yourself: Find healthy ways to cope—through movement, art, music, and connection.
  • Support friends: If someone you know is struggling, listen and help them find a trusted adult or resource.

Your actions matter. Kindness, honesty, and courage can change lives.

For Parents & Caregivers

Talk Early. Talk Often.

Families play the most powerful role in prevention. BeHealthyMesa.org provides tools to help you start the conversation.

  • Learn about the dangers of fentanyl and counterfeit pills.
  • Ask open-ended questions and listen without judgment.
  • Keep prescription medications secure and dispose of unused pills safely.
  • Model healthy coping and stress management strategies.
  • Know the signs of opioid and substance misuse and where to get help.
You don’t have to be an expert—start the conversation.

For Schools & Educators

Empowering Students Through Awareness

Educators are essential partners in prevention and early intervention. BeHealthyMesa.org provides tools for education leaders to deliver evidence-based, age-appropriate materials.

  • Integrate prevention and wellness topics into existing curriculum or advisory time.
  • Encourage a culture of kindness and peer support on campus.
  • Share Be Healthy Mesa PSAs, campaign materials, and pledge opportunities.
  • Recognize warning signs and connect students with support services.
  • Collaborate with The Be Kind People Project to host assemblies and health education events.
  • Utilize the Arizona Department of Education STOP-IT Tool Kit: azed.gov/stopit

Prevention begins with awareness. Your knowledge may help save a life.