"Let’s Talk GPW” Campaign Encourages Parents to Talk with Teens About Fentanyl

Prince William Community Services has launched “Let’s Talk GPW,” a new public health campaign designed to help parents and caregivers talk openly with their teens about the dangers of fentanyl. The initiative provides families with the knowledge, resources and tools they need to approach these tough conversations with confidence and care. 

Across the nation, fentanyl remains the leading cause of overdose deaths among youth. Many young people are exposed unintentionally, often through counterfeit pills that appear legitimate. A pill laced with just a few salt-sized grains of fentanyl can become fatal in minutes. This initiative aims to educate parents about these risks while offering practical ways to begin the conversation with their teens. 

The “Let’s Talk GPW” campaign website features the following: 

• Conversation starters and tips to help parents “break the ice.” 
• Real-life examples of how to recognize and respond to fentanyl risks. 
• Toolkits and downloadable materials, including a Talk Guide.

"Parents have more influence on their kids' choices than they realize,” said Heather Martinsen, Wellness & Prevention Manager at Prince William Community Services. “By helping them talk openly about the risks of fentanyl without judgment or fear, we're giving families a powerful way to keep their kids safe. We encourage caregivers to learn more about drugs so they can have caring, informed and courageous conversations with their kids. We know these conversations can be scary, so we hope these resources will build confidence in parents to have difficult discussions around drug use prevention.” 

Parents looking for an easy way to start the conversation can watch the “Let’s Talk GPW” public service announcement, available on the campaign website and airing in local movie theaters from November through January. 

The "Let’s Talk GPW" campaign was developed in partnership with Rescue, the Behavior Change Agency. Funding for the campaign is through Prince William County and the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority.

For more information, visit letstalkgpw.com to download the Talk Guide, watch the PSA and explore local resources to help keep families safe.