WILMINGTON, Del. – Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long and NFL Hall of Famer Randy White joined forces with Delaware coaches and student athletes in New Castle and Kent counties this weekend to kick off the Coaches vs. Overdoses initiative to curb prescription opioid abuse in Delaware. The initiative is part of a national campaign that fosters a proactive prevention and drug disposal blitz targeting opioid abuse and overdose deaths, especially among student athletes.  

The two-day event, held at Thomas McKean High School in Wilmington and Caesar Rodney High School in Camden took place during National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, which helps to educate communities about the dangers of substance abuse, especially among younger Americans. 

“Far too many of us know someone struggling with substance use disorder,” said Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long, Ph.D., R.N. “As chair of Delaware’s Behavioral Health Consortium, I’ve seen the impact this epidemic has had on communities and families throughout Delaware. The good news is that we are fighting back to bench opioids and save lives. Through the Coaches vs. Overdoses initiative, we are working to educate student athletes and parents about the dangers of opioids and promote the prevention and treatment resources available here in Delaware. I want to thank the many partners of this initiative, including the NFL, and encourage everyone to pick up and learn about our Prevention Playbooks.”  

Lt. Governor Hall-Long and Randy White, a native Delawarean, were featured speakers during the halftimes of both games. As part of the two-day event, White spoke at his alma mater Thomas McKean High School about the recent loss of his son-in-law due to a prescription drug overdose.  

“I am honored to bring the Coaches vs. Overdoses program to my home state of Delaware,” said Randy White, former Dallas Cowboy and Pro Football Hall of Famer. I unfortunately lost my son-in-law to an overdose and am now helping to raise my grandson. I am dedicated to spreading awareness and education on this issue and thrilled to work with coaches across the country on this initiative to protect our youth.”  

As part of the initiative, “Prevention Playbooks” have been distributed to Delaware schools throughout the state in coordination with the DIAA as an educational resource to warn about the dangers of prescription opioid misuse. The initiative also features public service announcements and free take-home drug disposal kits to encourage the proper disposal of unused medication. DisposeRx, a national medication disposal company, has partnered with the Delaware Department of Education and the Delaware State Police to distribute safe drug disposal kits to Delaware students and families. This fall initiative builds on prior substance use awareness work that focused on outreach in collaboration with the DIAA and high school basketball teams. 

“We are proud to partner with the state of Delaware on the Coaches vs. Overdoses effort, to educate families about the risks associated with both prescription and counterfeit drug misuse and to stress the importance of safe medication disposal,” said William Simpson, president and chief executive officer of DisposeRx, Inc. “Prevention and education are critical to mitigating the overdose crisis, as is ensuring communities across the country understand the importance of properly disposing of unused medications.” 

“As parents and guardians all of us need to be more aware about potential dangers to our families in our own homes,” Secretary of Education Mark Holodick said. “We’re proud to partner with the lieutenant governor and Delaware State Police to help get this tool to our families.” 

Recent data shows that about 70% of teens who misuse opioids get them from friends or relatives. According to the National Institutes for Health, over 28% of student athletes will receive an opioid prescription at some point, one of the highest rates of any student population. As of September 21, 2023, Delaware data shows a total of 360 people have died from a suspected drug overdose.   

“Football games bring our communities together. While sports can be a source of physical and mental strength, they can also expose young individuals to unique risks, including the misuse of prescription opioids. As the opioid crisis evolves, so must our response. Increasing the awareness of high school athletes is essential to our efforts. By educating communities, offering support, advocating for change, and practicing prevention, we can make a difference,” said Safety and Homeland Security Secretary Nathaniel McQueen, Jr. 

“DIAA piloted this program at our boys, girls and unified basketball championships in the spring and is pleased to continue this partnership to support the health and safety of our student athletes, their families and fans,” DIAA Executive Director David Baylor said. 

The Sussex County Health Coalition, which coordinates the Delaware Goes Purple campaign each October, was also on hand to provide educational resources and talk with attendees about the dangers of opioids.  

“The Coaches vs. Overdoses initiative is a wonderful opportunity for Delaware Goes Purple to raise awareness about the dangers of substance abuse in our community,” said Peggy Geisler, Executive Director of the Sussex County Health Coalition. “We are thrilled to join forces with the Coaches vs. Overdoses national campaign to underscore the importance of educating our youth and their families on this very serious issue.” 

“DSCYF is a proud partner of the Coaches vs. Overdoses events and believe the Playbook provides valuable resources and information all families can use. Providing youth and adults information on the facts about substance misuse and educating them on the real dangers of the substances available today can be lifesaving! We encourage adults to talk to kids about substance misuse and urge everyone to safely store prescription medications – and other substances – from easy access, and to destroy any unused medications at home. Prevention works!” said Shelly Lazorchak, Director of Prevention Services for the Division of Prevention and Behavioral Health Services, part of the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families.