Fentanyl is killing kids at an alarming rate, but 73% of teens have no idea fentanyl is being cut into counterfeit pharmaceuticals. Or that it’s deadly. We set out to bring awareness to the issue, partnering with the Ad Council, Snap, and YouTube. From the start, we knew we’d have to be unexpected to break through. A “scared straight” or condescending approach wouldn’t work. We’d need to speak in a tone teens responded to in a way that couldn’t be ignored.
Substitute Dealers, for Ad Council x Snap x YouTube
Awards:
Gold Pencil, One Show
Clio, Silver, Bronze
Shortlist, The Andy’s
Shortlist, Cannes Lions
We created three lessons modeled after high school classes, but reimagined to discuss fentanyl safety. We piloted them at a High School in Holyoke, Massachusetts where former drug dealers stepped in as teachers — or “substitute dealers” — to educate students about the fentanyl crisis through the lens of their everyday classes. Because no other subject in school would matter if they were dead.
The curriculum went global. Reaching kids on digital, social, and linear media.
Each lesson became snackable content ––– including facts, quizzes, and influencer content.
We open-sourced the lesson plans on ReadDealOnFentanyl.com, allowing any teacher to replicate the experience in their own schools.
Agency: JOAN Creative
ACD : Nicole LeLacheur, Hailey Lawrence, Hannah Lorentzen, Nat Fiacco
Producer: Emily Robbins
Director: Courtney Sophia Yates