Generation S.O.S.

This video was created by a Miami student, Catalina Quimper. 

Did You Know...

Substance misuse and mental health struggles are devastating an entire generation of our children. Nearly 500 people, mostly young adults, die from alcohol, drugs, and suicide every single day in America.

You might think "Not my kid," but do you really know?

→"Not my son…he’s in his bedroom studying..."

Reality Check: Your teen doesn't have to leave the house to buy drugs; they can purchase them from a stranger on Snapchat or TikTok right from their room. When a coroner calls in the middle of the night—as our CEO, Jim Hood, did the night he lost his son, Austin — to tell you your child has died of an overdose, you’ll stop breathing, too…in soul-crushing anguish and utter disbelief. 

→"But, he’s the captain of the lacrosse team." or, “My daughter’s in the National Honors Society!”

It. Does. Not. Matter. Substance misuse doesn't discriminate.

Teens are unaware that the drugs they buy or get from a friend—whether it’s Adderall, weed, Xanax, or cocaine—can be tainted with fentanyl and xylazine. Drugs don't have to be illegal to be deadly; even doctor-prescribed opioids for typical teen experiences like sports injuries can lead to a downward spiral.

Your teen needs to hear this: Experimenting with drugs can kill them. It doesn’t matter whether they’re a student in public school or private, high school or college, or what their zip code, race, ethnicity, orientation, or gender identity is.  

Generation S.O.S. is a unique, free substance misuse prevention program for Miami teens and young adults. We open up an urgently needed, real dialogue for students to safely talk about mental health and substance use.

We offer our program free of charge to Miami middle schools, high schools, and colleges, and that's why we are asking for your support. We open up an urgently needed — and very real — dialogue with students so they can openly and safely talk about mental health and substance use concerns. Generation S.O.S. has held school presentations at Lynn University, Jose Marti Mast Academy, Carrolton School of the Sacred Heart, Miami Country Day School, and Gulliver Prep. With your support, we can reach thousands of Miami teens throughout the city’s schools and community organizations.

 Your donations will help fund:

• Young Adult speakers 
• High School chapters 
• Online peer-to-peer connection 
• Coping Skills Video Library 

The message to students is the most powerful prevention tool to help save lives.  

“We all struggle with anxiety and loneliness, but you’re not alone. Talk with someone…get help if you need it. Try not to make the same mistakes I did.”  

Words from Students: 

Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart Chapter

Generation S.O.S., Miami Chapter

Learn more about Generation S.O.S. and our impact in Miami and in schools and communities around the country at Generationsos.org

Generation S.O.S. will be featured on CBS News! This national news story was filmed at Jose Marti Mast School in Hialeah. We are so proud of the JMM Generation S.O.S. School club! These Miami students have become youth leaders in mental health and substance misuse prevention.